Market
Report
Legend:
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Escalated
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Extreme
Weather Alerts
California: Frost is possible south of King City through Friday, with morning lows in the 20s-40s and gusty winds up to 35 mph. Temps will warm over the weekend, with lows in the 30s-40s and highs in the 60s-80s inland.
Florida: Warm temperatures and mostly dry weather are expected through April 6th, with highs in the low 80s to low 90s and lows in the mid 60s to mid 70s. Winds will gust at 20-25 mph through Friday. Isolated showers are possible in northern Florida on Saturday, but dry conditions will dominate.
Arizona: A dry cold front will bring gusty winds today, dropping to 15-20 mph by Thursday. Lows will be in the mid 40s to low 50s, cooling to upper 30s in Wenden. Highs will be in the mid 60s today, rising to 80s by Sunday, with low 90s near Thermal.
Mexico: Warm temperatures are expected in Central Mexico over the next five days, with highs in the low 80s to low 90s and morning lows in the upper 40s to 50s. Dry weather will continue through April 6th.
Freight
The transition from Yuma to Salinas has begun, leading to longer loading times and delays in Northern California supplies. This pattern is expected to continue through mid-April.
Produce
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Apples
The apple market remains stable, with food service sizes readily available in ample supply.
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Asparagus
Asparagus supplies from Mexico remain tight, especially for larger sizes, due to rain and winds in Caborca, which have reduced yields. The market is more active with lower volumes from Mexico, but Peruvian production will ramp up in the coming weeks.
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Avocados
Markets remain high with no signs of decreasing soon. The size structure remains consistent, peaking on 60ct and smaller sizes, with 48ct and larger priced higher. California's season is ramping up, but limited harvest is expected this week due to rain. Peak sizes in CA are medium, primarily 48ct and 60ct.
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Bell Peppers
Florida is transitioning from southern to northern regions, with average quality and more choice fruit available, but fewer #1 large sizes. Nogales is nearing the end of its season, while Coachella is expected to start in May. Expect light to adequate supply over the next few weeks.
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Blackberries
This item is becoming increasingly scarce due to adverse weather in Central Mexico, which is affecting quality. Products are being rejected at the border, with some additional USDA holds. We're still a few weeks away from the California and Georgia crops coming online.
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Blueberries
Blueberry supply is currently limited from Central Mexico, Baja, and Peruvian offshore arrivals. However, availability is expected to improve by late April. Florida has just begun to produce a small quantity as the early part of their season kicks off.
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Raspberries
There have been no significant changes since last week. Pricing is gradually decreasing, but supplies remain limited from Central Mexico and Baja.
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Strawberries
Santa Maria and Oxnard are in full production despite last weekend's rain, with Baja's peak output helping stabilize prices. Colder weather may slow California production, but quality remains strong across all regions. Central Mexico and Florida are done, while Salinas and Watsonville are still two weeks from significant volume.
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Broccoli
Broccoli quality remains excellent with good sizing and vibrant color. Minimal yellowing or browning has been reported due to last week's high desert temperatures. Expect the market to stay steady heading into the weekend.
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Brussels Sprouts
Supplies from both domestic and Mexico remain strong, with no expected changes in volume. Both bulk and VA categories are great for promotions. While temperatures are rising in desert growing regions, overall quality remains excellent.
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Carrots
Harvest in the Imperial Valley is going strong, with a positive outlook ahead. Lake Park, GA is shipping volumes of chunks, cellos, jumbos, and babies, and will continue through May. Please remember to submit snack pack orders 48 hours in advance.
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Cauliflower
Cauliflower quality remains strong, with significant texture improvement over the past few weeks. Light insect damage and minimal black mildew have been reported but aren't major concerns. The market is expected to stay steady with good supplies heading into the weekend.
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Celery
Supplies remain strong in Southern California, while production in Yuma is moderate to light. Quality continues to be excellent across most shippers, and the industry will accommodate large orders as needed. Overall demand is moderate, with all sizes available.
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Lemons
Markets are firming up as rain has helped fruit size up, with 115ct and smaller sizes tightening. The main growing regions are District 1 (San Joaquin Valley) and District 2 (Ventura County/Oxnard), with peak sizes at 95ct and larger.
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Limes
The tariff threat has disrupted the Mexican market, slowing operations. Yields are dropping as the old crop ends, with fruit peaking on smaller sizes and large fruit still limited. Overall quality remains good. Offshore fruit is available from the New Jersey and Miami areas.
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Oranges
Peak sizes have shifted to 72ct/88ct, with deals still available on smaller sizes. However, rain is strengthening the market due to limited harvesting. Brix levels are around 13. It’s shaping up to be a strong year for foodservice. Valencia oranges are expected to arrive by late May or early June.
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Cucumbers
Volume remains light, but production is set to increase in both Florida and Mexico. Baja will contribute, but significant volume won't arrive until early June. As supply grows, expect prices to decrease.
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Eggplant
Domestic supplies remain light with mixed quality, while Mexico is offering a good supply and excellent quality.
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Garlic
Garlic quality is outstanding, and supplies are expected to stay strong in the coming weeks.
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Grapes
The glut is ending, starting with green seedless grapes. The market is currently split between older, problem-prone grapes and newer, retail-ready arrivals. The old grapes should clear out in a week or two, leading to a more balanced market in both quality and price. The red grape market is still seeing supply outpace demand, though conditions are improving. Pricing remains inconsistent, and quality varies. However, with the oldest grapes nearly sold out, the market is expected to stabilize and improve soon.
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Green Onions
Supplies remain plentiful and of good quality. Expect this market to stay steady as we move into next week.
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Kale
Kale supplies are expected to remain plentiful this week with excellent quality, and this trend is likely to continue into next week.
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Iceberg Lettuce
Demand is outpacing supply for this commodity, with production from Yuma, Salinas, Huron, and Santa Maria. Quality remains above average, with weights averaging 39-44 pounds depending on the supplier. Availability looks good for the week, and shippers are flexible on volume orders.
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Leaf Lettuce
Production of romaine, green, and red leaf remains steady, with minimal fringe and tip burn due to recent warm temperatures. Yuma and Huron expect strong production this week, while Salinas will have lighter volumes. Steady supplies of romaine hearts are also anticipated.
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Cantaloupes
Cantaloupe prices have stabilized and remain firm. The spring crop (third rotation) from Guatemala has arrived just in time for the Easter pull, with retail starting to activate contracts. Offshore production is peaking on 9s and J9s, while smaller sizes are limited.
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Honeydews
Honeydew supplies are available at all ports in CA, TX, FL, and the Northeast. Nogales honeydews from Mexico are currently in season, with the market peaking on larger sizes. Mexican cantaloupes are expected to be available by the end of April.
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Watermelon
Watermelon supplies are expected to increase slightly this week as more growers in Sonora begin harvesting. Smaller sizes will remain tight, with new fields primarily producing larger fruit.
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Mushrooms
Promotable volumes are available. Pricing is steady at lower levels.
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Pears
Pears are in very limited supply right now, likely until mid-July when California's Bartlett crop arrives. Washington's pear production is down 25- 50%, and Bosc pears are especially scarce. Anjou pears are the main option, but prices will keep rising. Imported Bartletts are available, but we need more domestic pears to meet demand.
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Pineapples
Pineapple supply will remain tight until late April, with peak volumes expected in May. Over the next 3-4 weeks, flexibility in sizes will be needed to balance supply and demand. Costa Rican pineapples are the main source, with contracted business prioritized. Large crownless pineapples are in high demand, and rain is expected to lower yields until mid-April, impacting availability and pricing in the short term.
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Potatoes
The market remains steady this week with stable pricing. Distributors are seeking DLVD pricing over FOB. Color potatoes are available from FL and ND, while sweet potatoes are coming from NC, Arkansas, and California. Mississippi production is ending due to a short crop.
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Squash
Zucchini quality and volume are good on both coasts, while yellow squash remains limited. In Florida, yellow squash should stay adequate until Georgia starts production in May. Availability will increase as new crop production from Sonora ramps up over the next two weeks.
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Stone Fruit
Imported stone fruit is beginning to taper off, making way for the arrival of fresh domestic varieties. Cherries will be the first to hit the market in late April or early May, followed by apricots, peaches, and nectarines. Plums will make their debut in late May or early June. Meanwhile, the kiwi market remains steady.
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Tomatoes
Florida production remains light, with supply expected to improve by May. Central Florida has started with light volumes, and production will gradually increase through April and May. Mexican supply is steady, though rounds remain the tightest variety. More fruit availability is expected in late spring.