For the week ending September 5, 2026
School demand and limited availability are putting upward pressure on the apple market. Fujis, Pinks, Reds, Golds, and Grannys are all seeing price increases, with Fujis expected to be nearly nonexistent over the next two weeks. Gala and Honeycrisp are the bright spots, with new-crop harvesting underway and the Gala market remaining stable.
ALERT: Mexican asparagus remains in very limited supply, with Central Mexico/Guanajuato/Bajio finished for the season. Northern Baja is providing the best quality and should continue through late September or early October, while Southern Baja remains limited due to heat and weather concerns. Peruvian supply is also challenging, with poor quality in the North and strong demand keeping prices elevated. Southern Peru is seeing a slight increase in supply, which should provide more stability through Thanksgiving. Overall, expect tight supplies and firm pricing to continue in the coming weeks.
Markets remain steady on 48/60/70ct, with larger fruit commanding a premium. California and Peru are also moving well but are beginning to wind down.
MARKET ON WATCH
ALERT: Lighter transfers from Mexico have helped firm the market. Shippers have intentionally pulled back from last week’s volumes in response to slower movement.
The last of the PNW crop is coming out of Washington, with Peruvian and Central Mexico product expected to increase in the marketplace.
Lighter transfers from Mexico have helped firm the market, as shippers have intentionally reduced volumes from last week in response to slower movement.
ALERT: Strawberries remain in a demand-exceeds-supply situation, with open market fruit extremely limited as shippers focus on contracts and prior commitments. Tight supplies are expected through August due to a production gap in Salinas and Watsonville caused by July’s heat. Santa Maria should see improved production next week, while Baja and Central Mexico are expected to begin production in September.
MARKET ON WATCH
Broccoli supplies remain on the tight side. Recent fields have come on, but production is now transitioning to younger fields. Expect the market to strengthen heading into next week.
Brussels sprout supplies remain on the tighter side. With demand beginning to pick up, expect the market to strengthen slightly.
Cauliflower supplies are strong across all growing regions this week, and the market is expected to remain steady heading into next week.
The Spring crop in Bakersfield is sizing well with good yields and should continue for the next 2–3 weeks. We will then transition to the Lancaster/Cuyama Summer crop, which is expected to run through October before returning to Bakersfield. Grimmway has also begun its Minnesota program, which is expected to run through late November/early December. Pricing will remain in line with California.
ALERTS on Lemons and Small-Sized Navels
Star Ruby are readily available, peaking at 48ct, with shipments coming from Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley.
The lemon market remains elevated due to limited availability and strong demand. Supplies are expected to stay tight, keeping prices firm in the near term. Offshore fruit is becoming available on both coasts, while District 2 (Ventura County/Oxnard) is in full production and supplying the majority of the fruit.
Good-quality fruit remains extremely limited and concentrated among a few suppliers, driving prices higher. Heavy grading continues, with even the best available fruit below normal quality expectations. New crop should improve quality over the next 1–2 weeks, but limited volume will likely keep prices elevated.
The California Valencia crop is heavily weighted toward larger sizes, with production peaking on 56ct and 72ct. Small sizes, particularly 113ct and 138ct, remain extremely limited and are expected to stay tight through the end of the season. Flexibility on size and grade will be important for consistent order coverage, with substitutions to larger fruit likely necessary. Please communicate these sizing challenges to schools and DOD programs and encourage 72ct or 88ct options when possible.
The market is steady to start the week and is expected to remain that way throughout the week. Santa Maria/Oxnard and Salinas will have all sizes available. School demand has been relatively slow, and shippers are flexing, making this a good commodity to promote. Quality remains above average across most shippers.
Baja supplies remain light due to weather, pushing markets higher. Eastern and local production is available with generally good quality. Markets are expected to remain firm into September until mainland Mexico production ramps up.
Heavy production and good quality continue in North Carolina and New Jersey, while California production is improving with steady pricing. Markets should remain soft, making eggplant a strong promotional item through August.
We are now into the new 2026 California crop, which is expected to run through September 2027.
The California grape market remains mostly steady, with most shippers peaking on Large and Extra Large sizes across both red and green seedless varieties. Barring significant weather issues, the market should remain steady, with excellent availability and promotable pricing.
Green onion supplies are beginning to tighten as rain and warmer weather lead to shorter yields. Expect the market to remain firm heading into the weekend.
Lower yields are being reported in both the Salinas Valley and Southern California, keeping the market active. INSV has created an industry-wide shortage, with arrivals showing outer-leaf discoloration, misshapen heads, and occasional insect damage. Weights are ranging from 37–44 lbs. Expect the market to strengthen throughout the week.
Issues with romaine, green leaf, and red leaf have surfaced in both the Salinas Valley and Southern California. INSV has caused crop damage across multiple suppliers, while fringe and tip burn are being reported on arrivals. Romaine hearts remain moderately available, and current demand is being met. Expect the market to strengthen by the end of the week and into next week.
Spinach, arugula, and spring mix supplies remain strong, with good quality and ample availability for normal business.
Kale supplies and quality remain good, with steady conditions expected to continue into next week.
Domestic cantaloupes are loading from Central California, with fruit peaking on 9ct. Supplies are good, with promotional opportunities available on new-crop fruit.
Domestic honeydews are loading from the Westside region of Central California, with steady supply and demand. Fruit is peaking on 5ct, with decent availability and good sizing.
Watermelon demand remains steady as we approach the upcoming holiday. Retail ADS will begin over the weekend, and the market is expected to remain strong through the remainder of the month. DelBene produce is shipping MI, IL or IN watermelons.
MARKET ON WATCH
Summer onions are officially finished, with storage onions now driving the market. Supplies remain tight due to strong demand and regional issues ending earlier than expected. Freight costs are adding pressure through the holiday, while suppliers continue building inventory. Larger sizes remain a challenge.
Washington pear growers are in full production on Bartletts, with many also beginning Starkrimson. The market remains mostly steady, while limited California Bartletts are still available from the Central Valley.
California remains plentiful, with good quality and steady supplies. Midwest and Northeast production is also strong, with affordable domestic FOBs.
ALERT: Pineapple supplies are expected to tighten over the next 4–6 weeks due to the natural flowering season, limiting open-market availability and potentially increasing prices. Contract orders should remain unaffected, with quality expected to stay good. Supplies will become very tight through mid-October. 6ct and 7ct crowned fruit are increasing, while 8ct remains steady. Crownless 8ct and 10ct, along with organic fruit, remain limited.
ALERT: Old-crop Burbank potatoes are officially finished for the season. New crop potatoes are experiencing sizing issues, particularly 40/70ct, which is expected to remain a challenge throughout the season. Lead time will be important to secure product. Washington potatoes are showing great quality, peaking on mid sizes, while larger and smaller counts remain tight. Color potatoes are available from ID, WA, CA, MN, and WI. California and NC sweet potatoes remain limited until new crop, while Mississippi sweets are off to a slow start.
California and Baja supplies remain tight, especially on yellow squash, keeping markets elevated. New Jersey and New York have good availability and quality. Local Midwest production is limited, while Georgia fall production is beginning to ramp up. DELBENE IS STOCKING AND SHIPPING MI GROWN YELLOW SQUASH & ZUCCHINI.
Peach and nectarine harvest is winding down and is expected to finish within the next three weeks. Sizing has improved significantly, with small fruit becoming very limited. Small black plums remain plentiful and attractively priced. The Chilean kiwi market continues to strengthen on lighter supplies, with limited availability. Chile will remain the primary source until California production resumes in October.
Rounds: Demand is shifting toward California, Mexico, and the Midwest as Eastern production declines. Overall availability is tightening, pushing prices up modestly. California remains the best source for jumbo and XL sizes. Romas: Supplies are generally stable, though rain-damaged quality in the East and lower California yields are putting slight upward pressure on prices. Grape & Cherry: Eastern production is slowing and Mexican supplies remain light, with heavier grading helping maintain consistent quality. Prices should remain steady until new volume arrives in the coming weeks. Del Bene Produce is stocking and shipping MI grown grape, roma, 5×5, 5×6, 4×4 2 layer tomatoes.
*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.
Subscribe now to get the latest updates on fresh produce, market trends, and special offers delivered straight to your inbox.
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest market updates, fresh produce highlights, and expert tips!
