For the week ending September 20, 2025
The apple market continues its slow, steady shift from old crop to new. Granny Smith and Fuji are being pushed to the limit, with the last remaining storage rooms yielding every possible carton—but still falling short of demand. Gala movement is expected to gain momentum this week and next, while Honeycrisp are packing in solid volume. Even so, the market will need time to recalibrate before demand improves. September will usher in fresh supplies of Granny Smith, Red Delicious, Fuji, and Ambrosia.
Large, Extra Large, and Jumbo sizes remain limited on both coasts, while Smalls and Standards are more available. Supplies overall are tight, keeping the market up. Cooler weather in Peru is slowing growth, and Mexico is dealing with heat and some rain. Asparagus will stay tight into mid-September, with better volume expected by the second or third week.
Peak sizes are 48ct and 60ct, with Flora Loca now the main crop as the old crop is nearly done. Dry matter is in the mid-20s, compared to low 30s on the older crop, so expect longer ripening times. Fruit is very clean, with minimal #2 grade—typical for this part of the season. The California season continues to slow and is expected to wrap up in the next few weeks. Offshore arrivals are hitting both coasts but should begin to wind down next month.
Steady movement on this item with good availability out of both California and Central Mexico.
Production in the Pacific Northwest will wrap up next week. Peruvian and Mexican volumes are expected to increase gradually over the next two weeks. Markets are beginning to react higher.
Strong production out of Mexico is putting downward pressure on market pricing. Steady volumes from Baja and Central Mexico are expected to continue throughout September.
Production in the North remains solid, with Santa Maria gaining strength and expected to peak in late September. Last week’s heat wave in both regions may impact quality, and crews are moving carefully through the fields to minimize issues in the pack out.
Broccoli supplies are slightly limited as fields show signs of pin rot and Diamondback Moth larvae, leading to reduced yields. Expect the market to gradually trend upward heading into next week.
Brussels sprout supplies are still somewhat light but improving. Overall quality is good, with only occasional insect damage. The market is expected to ease gradually heading into next week.
Cauliflower supplies remain steady and strong despite some insect damage. Expect the market to hold steady through the weekend.
Harvest has shifted to the Cuyama and Lancaster areas, where it will continue through November. This week looks better as crews are getting into fields with improved sizing. No sizing issues are expected in the near future, but updates will be shared if anything changes.
Marsh Rubies are available, peaking at 48ct, and are being shipped from Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley.
Markets remain strong across all sizes, with District 2 (Ventura/Oxnard) as the sole growing region. Smaller sizes (165ct and under) are very limited. Choice grade dominates, with less Fancy due to growing conditions. Quality is fair, with softer fruit and early decay common from coastal winds and moisture. Shippers are working to cull affected fruit. Markets are higher than last summer, driven by strong demand and reduced imports. Offshore and Mexican supplies are arriving lightly, with Mexico down year over year.
The market has softened post-holiday. Current crop shows weak shelf life, larger fruit, and some quality issues. A new production cycle is beginning, bringing smaller fruit, better color, and slightly improved shelf life, though oil spotting remains a concern. Market volatility is expected through September. Offshore fruit is available, with pricing still trailing Texas FOBs.
Valencia’s are peaking on 88ct, with 113ct and 138ct very limited due to school demand. Suppliers may ask to sub up soon. The 88ct market is rising as larger sizes become scarce. Gas times are about 3 days, but warmer weather is causing some regreening. Quality is fair, mostly choice grade, and shippers are culling compromised fruit. Brix is around 13, with good eating quality. The Navel season is expected to start late October.
This market remains steady, with all sizes available both north and south. Shippers are still flexible, and overall quality continues to be above average, with only minimal reports of seeders. Demand is moderate at best.
Eastern supplies are lighter but meeting current demand. Production is expected to ramp up in North Carolina and Georgia within 7–10 days. The West and Mexico continue to provide a steady supply. MI Cucumbers and pickling cucumbers are currently in stock and shipping.
Steady supply from MI, NJ, and NY with good quality. NC harvest set to begin soon. California remains steady but supplies are tight. Demand is strong, keeping the market firm. MI Eggplant is currently in stock and shipping.
The new California garlic crop is progressing well with good quality, complemented by ongoing Mexican supplies.
The grape market is pushing toward higher prices as stronger late season varieties come online, increasing upward pressure.
Green onion supplies remain steady and good, with similar conditions expected into next week.
NOW STOCKING & SHIPPING MICHIGAN GROWN DILL & CILANTRO.
Supplies in the Salinas Valley have improved compared to the past few weeks. INSV impacted yields for many shippers. Current weights range from 38 to 42 pounds. Some misshapen heads and outer leaf discoloration have been reported on arrivals. Escalation is currently applied to the first tier of all value-added lettuce items.
Demand is steady for romaine, green leaf, and red leaf. Romaine hearts are slightly softer than in previous weeks. Tip and fringe burn are likely on arrivals due to warm growing temperatures. Weights and product length are expected to be normal for most leaf items.
MI grown Red Leaf & Green Leaf in stock & shipping. MI grown Romaine Hearts available in limited supplies.
Good overall quality is being reported despite the warmer temperatures over the weekend. Supplies are expected to remain mostly steady into next week. Cilantro, arugula, and spinach- MI grown cilantro in stock and shipping.
Overall quality is strong, though some larger, thicker stems are showing due to warmer weather. There’s also a slight increase in insect damage. Expect the market to stay steady through the weekend.
The domestic cantaloupe market is starting to firm up as Westside fields move into better sizing. The second cut and rising demand are driving the market higher. Fields are still mostly producing 9s, but sizing on 12s and 15s is improving, while jumbos are tightening. Brix levels range from 13 to 16. Unexpected rain in the Central Valley this week has affected some fields, and crews are working to manage the damage.
The domestic honeydew market is heating up as Westside fields move into better sizing. The second cut and stronger demand are pushing the market. Fields are still mainly producing 5s, but sizing on 6s and 8s is improving. Brix levels range from 13 to 16. Volume deals are available.
Domestic watermelons are available from both the west and east coasts. Prices are starting to stabilize as growers push new crops. Post-holiday deals will be available. We are currently stocking and shipping Michigan watermelons.
Onions are currently available from Washington and Idaho, as the California and New Mexico seasons have ended. Demand remains strong across the U.S. Rain in Idaho during the week of 8/25, combined with the holiday, caused some shippers to pause harvesting for a few days.
Washington Bartlett pears are in full swing, while California Bartletts remain aggressively priced and will continue to impact the market for the next few weeks. Red pears are being packed in both states, and California Bosc pears are available in heavy volume.
Eastern production remains steady with solid quality. Western and California regions are delivering excellent quality and strong supply, with promotable volumes available. Colored bell availability is improving as the market works to find its footing. MI grown green peppers currently in stock and shipping.
Thunderstorms continue to affect growing regions in Costa Rica and are expected through mid-September 2025. Pineapple supplies remain very limited and may stay tight for the rest of the year. Crownless pineapples are in high demand, so expect substitutions, cancellations, and order changes. Mexican pineapples are available but limited. Port delays during the week of 9/1/2025, due to the holiday, will impact loading schedules.
The Idaho market is improving on 40-70 count with new crop potatoes. Burbanks are nearly done; Norkoths are now the main variety. New fields are mostly #1s, with #2s tight for about a month. Washington’s new crop shows great quality. Color potatoes are available from CA, ID, MN, WA, and WI. New crop sweet potatoes are starting small in NC, with some curing issues to settle over the next few weeks.
Supplies remain steady across both Eastern and Western regions. New Jersey is winding down, while the Georgia crop is now underway. Overall quality is solid. MI grown yellow squash and MI grown zucchini is now in stock and shipping.
Peaches, plums, and nectarines are in moderate supply with a stable market. Imported kiwi remains steady but priced higher, likely holding until California’s season begins in October. Asian pears from Kingsburg will start soon and continue through year-end.
Roma Tomatoes: Steady Eastern supply with good quality; volumes from Mexico and California expected to increase mid-to-late September. Round Tomatoes: Eastern production is ramping up with strong quality, supported by North Carolina and California for a smooth transition. Grape Tomatoes: Volumes are improving with solid quality, and consistent availability from Mexico, Baja, and California.
MI grown Grape and Roma tomatoes now in stock and shipping.
*The data contained in the Del Bene Market Report is provided for informational purposes only, is not tailored to your specific purchasing needs, and is not intended as a substitute for any other publicly available market data or information. The Del Bene market report is compiled from the last-received market data provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and/or other market sources. The Del Bene Market Report is subject to change without notice. Nothing herein is the opinion of Del Bene Produce neither assumes any legal liability nor makes any warranty or guaranty, either express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy or usefulness of this information.
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