Asparagus: Alert
Markets are up. Peruvian supplies are tightening due to weather and end of current crop. Mexican asparagus demand remains flat, but supplies are tight as Caborca production came in lighter and later than expected, adding pressure to the regions that are already winding down. Quality is good.
Berries: Alert
- Blackberry Markets are steady out of Texas and California. Quality is fair to good.
- Blueberries Markets steady. Product is shipping from Central Mexico, Chile, California, and Florida. Quality is good.
- Raspberries markets are steady. Quality is good
- Strawberry Markets are up. Demand is outpacing supply heading into Valentine’s Day. The market will continue to strengthen due to cold temperatures in Florida and recent rain in California. Quality is fair to good. Green Cartons: Markets are coming off. Quality is good.
- Red Cartons: Markets are steady. Quality is good.
- Bagged Cabbage: Markets are steady. Quality is good.
Broccoli: Alert
Broccoli markets are up. Planting gaps from late November and early December rain events limit available volume. Shippers have been dealing with pin rot on both commodity and Value-added broccoli. There is an AOG trigger on all value-added Broccoli items. Quality is fair to good.
Brussel Sprouts: Alert
Markets are up. Oxnard region continues to deal with insect pressure, some decay, and smaller-sizing. Supplies will slowly increase weekly. There is an AOG trigger on all value-added Brussel Sprout items. Quality is fair.
Cabbage:
Carrots: Alert
- Cello markets are steady out of Mexico. Quality is good.
- Loose markets are tight. Southern San Joaquin carrot harvests have been heavily impacted by prolonged wet weather, with recent rainfall further limiting field access and delaying harvests. Saturated fields are expected to restrict yields and keep supplies tight for the next 6–8 weeks, with relief not anticipated until the Imperial Valley transition in mid to late February. Commodity pricing is under upward pressure, and extended lead times are necessary. Florida and Georgia crops are not ready and Canada’s season winding down. Quality is good.
- Value-add Carrots are tight due to the current conditions in California. Baby and value-added carrots remain available but are being closely managed. Prorates are happening at loading time. Quality is good.
Cauliflower:
Markets are up. Cauliflower supplies began tightening late last week. The market is expected to rise slightly as harvests slow due to November and December rains. There is an AOG trigger on all value-added Cauliflower items. Quality is fair to good.
Celery:
The market is slightly up due to freight rates going up. Supplies have increased in Yuma and Southern California. Demand has eased, while overall quality remains above average across the industry. There is an AOG trigger on all value-added Celery items. Quality is fair to good.
Citrus: Alert
- Lemon: Markets are steady and improving as increased harvests from District 1 (San Joaquin Valley) boost overall supply. District 3 (CA Desert/AZ) remains the main growing region, with peak sizes at 140ct, 115ct, and 165ct. Mexico is also running with good volumes, but markets are higher due to freight. Quality is good.
- Limes: market is softening. Quality has been fair with limes showing stylar, skin deterioration and lighter coloring.
- Orange: California Navel oranges are peaking on 56ct and 72ct, with small sizes (113ct, 138ct) extremely limited through May. Flexibility on size and grade is needed, with larger Navels or Cara Caras as substitutions. Markets remain elevated on small and premium fruit. Schools and DOD programs should consider 72ct or 88ct. Moroccan fruit should start in two weeks. Quality is fair to good.
Cucumbers:
- Cucumber markets are steady, but supplies are tight. Mexican supplies remain steady with good overall quality. Offshore cucumbers are starting to arrive. Quality is good.
- Cello Cucumber markets are up. Quality is good.
Eggplant:
Markets are up. East Coast supplies are tightening due to cooler weather in South Florida. Quality is good.
Grapes:
Markets are steady, supply is good. Quality is good.
Green Onions:
Markets are coming off. Green onion supplies remain very tight due to recent rains reducing yields. Availability is expected to slowly improve heading into next week. Quality is fair to good.
Herbs:
- Basil: Quality is fair.
Lettuce Iceberg: Alert
Lettuce markets are up. Multiple shippers are facing limited production, keeping supplies light for at least the next few weeks. Growers are also dealing with marginal quality and lighter weights due to recent weather fluctuations. There is an AOG trigger on all value-added Lettuce items. Quality is good.
Lettuce Leaf:
- Romaine markets are slightly up. Minimal reports of discoloration and tip or fringe burn. Quality is good.
- Romaine Heart markets are slightly up. Minimal reports of discoloration and tip or fringe burn. Quality is good.
- Green Leaf markets are steady. Minimal reports of discoloration and tip or fringe burn. Quality is good.
- Red Leaf markets are steady. Minimal reports of discoloration and tip or fringe burn. Quality is good.
Lettuce Tender Leaf:
Arcadian, Arugula, Cilantro, Parsley, Spring Mix, and Spinach. Tender leaf items like spinach, arugula, and cilantro are tight this week due to quality issues and lower yields. Supplies and quality are expected to improve heading into next week. There is an AOG trigger on Cilantro and Spinach value-added items. Quality is fair to good.
Melons:
- Cantaloupes: Market is steady. Quality is fair to good.
- Honeydews: market is steady. Offshore and Mexican honeydews are available but supplies are lighter than demand. Offshore pricing is up due to vessel delays. Quality is good.
Onions:
Supplies from Washington, Idaho, and Utah are available, with strong demand across the U.S. Yellow and red prices are steady, while white onions are moving higher. Transportation continues to influence market movement. Quality is good.
Peppers: Alert
- Green Pepper market is stronger due to cold weather in Florida and lower yields in Mexico caused by rain and cooler temperatures. Potential freeze risk this weekend is keeping the market on edge. Quality is good.
- Red Pepper markets are up due to cold weather. Quality is good.
Pineapples:
Markets are steady but will be tightening up. Quality is good.
Potatoes:
Markets are steady. Production is back to a full, regular week, allowing for consistent pack-outs. Quality remains strong.
Squash:
Market conditions are firm, driven by cold weather limiting Florida yields and moderate squash harvests in Mexico. Quality is good.
Tomatoes:
- Round tomato markets are up. Cold weather in FL and Mexico is slowing production. Quality is good.
- Roma tomato markets are up. Cold weather in FL and Mexico is slowing production. Quality is good.
- Grape tomato markets are up. Cold weather in FL and Mexico is slowing production. Quality is good.
- Cherry tomato markets are up. Cold weather in FL and Mexico is slowing production. Quality is good.
Yams: Alert
Markets are active. Jumbo yams are in short supply. Quality is good.
Market Alerts:
The items listed below are either being prorated or are in short supply.
- Asparagus
- B&W Arugula
- Broccoli
- Broccoli Rabe
- Broccolini
- Brussel Sprouts
- Carrots
- Cilantro
- Corn
- Green Onions
- Green Peppers
- Jumbo Yams
- Lettuce
- Oranges
- Snow Peas
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Sugar Snap Peas
