Primo Weekly Market Update 

9/12/25 

Asparagus: 

Markets continue to be active, but the market is beginning to strengthen on both coasts, with production ramping up in Peru and Mexico. Supplies are gradually increasing, and prices are expected to ease slightly as we head into next week. Quality is fair to good. 

Berries: 

• Strawberry markets are coming off. A clear two-tiered market is emerging between late-season product from Salinas and Watsonville and new crop fruit out of Santa Maria. Santa Maria is commanding a premium, driven by stronger quality out of that region. Oxnard production is set to begin next week for some shippers, with others expected to follow in the next two weeks. Looking ahead, both the Mexico and Florida seasons are scheduled to begin in mid-November. Quality is fair to good. 
• Raspberry markets are slight up. Supplies are coming from Baja, Central Mexico, and California. Quality is good. 
• Blueberry market is staying strong. Supply will switch to imported 6oz blues from Peru in the next two weeks. Quality is good. 
• Blackberry markets have slightly come down. Good availability out of both California and Central Mexico. Quality is fair to good. Green Cartons: Markets are steady. 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 and sold out. Broccoli supplies remain tight due to insect pressure from recent warm weather in the Salinas Valley. Some acreage is being skipped as growers manage quality and crew safety amid diamondback moth issues. There is an AOG trigger on all value-added broccoli items. Quality is fair. 

Brussel Sprouts: 

Markets are up and supplies are tight. Brussels sprout yields are down due to ongoing insect pressure, and strong demand is pushing the market higher. There is an AOG trigger on all value-added brussels sprout items. Quality is fair to good. 

Cabbage: 

Carrots: 

• Cello markets are mostly steady. Quality is good. 
• Loose Markets are slowly coming back down. Quality has been good. 
• Value-add Snack Carrots are steady. Quality is good. 

Cauliflower: 

Markets are slightly up. Supplies remain strong across all areas, while there are some reports of insect pressure that could impact yields and potentially push the market up, conditions for now remain mostly steady. 

Celery: 

Markets are up. The abundant supplies have cleaned and suppliers are no longer offering deals. Quality continues to be strong, with only minor seeder issues reported. 

Citrus: Alert 

• Orange: Markets are up and sold out. Valencia’s are peaking on 88ct, with very limited 113ct and 138ct due to strong school demand. Expect more requests to sub up in size as smaller fruit becomes scarce. Gas times are around 3 days to enhance color, with some regreening from recent heat. Quality is fair, with mostly Choice grade, typical for the season. Brix levels are around 13, and the fruit is eating well. The domestic Navel season is expected to start at the end of October. Shippers are holding to 6-week averages. 
• Lemon: Markets remain strong across all sizes, with limited small sizes. District 2 is the only active region, producing mostly Choice grade due to coastal conditions. Quality is fair with typical seasonal issues. Imports from offshore and Mexico are starting in light volume, keeping markets elevated. 
• Limes: Markets softened more than expected as increased volumes of new crop product began entering the U.S. and growers are actively working to clear old crop inventory ahead of further quality deterioration. Supplies crossing the border continue to present notable issues including stylar end rot, skin breakdown, and oil spotting. New crop fruit is currently peaking on 200ct, indicating that larger sizes are likely to be old crop for the next few weeks until sizing improves. Overall fruit color is trending lighter green, a result of persistent cloudy and rainy conditions in Mexico. 

Cucumbers: Alert 

• Cucumber market is remaining tight. Quality has been good on inbound. 
• Cello Cucumbers markets are up and sold out. Cuc’s are gapping until Mexico season starts in about a Month. Quality is fair to good. 

Eggplant: 

Market is tightening. Quality is good. 

Grapes: 

Markets are steady. Supply continues to outpace demand, as lingering inventories of earlier varieties weigh on the market. While the larger, higher-quality late summer varieties may warrant a stronger market price, any upward movement is unlikely without a meaningful increase in demand to help clear current volumes. Quality is good. 

Herbs: 

• Basil: Quality is fair. 

Leaf Lettuce: 

• Romaine markets are coming off. Fringe and tip burn have been reported. There is an AOG trigger on all value-added romaine items. Quality is fair to good. 
• Romaine Heart markets are coming off. Fringe and tip burn have been reported. There is an AOG trigger on all value-added romaine items. Quality is fair to good. 
• Green Leaf markets are coming off. Fringe and tip burn have been reported. Quality is fair to good. 
• Red Leaf markets are steady. Fringe and tip burn have been reported. Quality is fair to good. 

Lettuce Iceberg: 

Lettuce markets are coming off. Increased production from multiple shippers in the Salinas Valley has led to a surplus of product in the market. While some light weights have been reported, average weights are holding steady between 37–42 pounds. Quality reports note some misshapen heads and occasional outer leaf discoloration. There is an AOG trigger on all value-added lettuce items. Quality is fair to good. 

Lettuce Tender Leaf: 

Arcadian, Spring Mix, Spinach, Cilantro, Arugula, and Italian Parsley. Markets are steady. Quality is good. 

Melons: 

• Cantaloupes: Markets are steady. The domestic cantaloupe market is firming up due to sizing shifts and stronger demand. Westside fields are in their second cut, still heavy on 9s, but 12s/15s are improving. Jumbos are tight. Brix levels are 13–16. Rain in the Central Valley this week has impacted some fields. Quality is good. 
• Honeydews: Markets are steady. 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. Quality is good. 

Onions: 

Markets are strengthening on yellows and reds as New Mexico and California supplies wind down, shifting demand to the Northwest. Quality is very good. 

Peppers: 

• Green bell market is steady. Quality on inbound has been good. 
• Red Pepper markets are coming off. Quality is good. 

Pineapples: 

Market continues to be strong but there are some signs of relief. Quality has been good. 

Potatoes: 

Quality is good, with a high percentage of No. 1s. The size profile is solid, with good availability in small bags and 100 count. As harvest progresses, we expect sizing to improve. 

Squash: 

• Green market is steady. Quality is good. 
• Yellow market is steady. Quality is fair to good. 

Tomatoes: 

Tennessee and Virginia crops show good quality and volume. California and Canada provide steady supply. Baja and Central Mexico supplies are lighter due to rain and export permits. Tomato crossings paused early week, expected to resume soon. Grape & Cherry tomato availability is improving in the East. 

• Round tomato markets are up. Quality is good. 
• Roma tomato markets are up. Quality is good. 
• Grape tomato markets are coming down. Quality is good. 
• Cherry tomato markets are coming down. Quality is good. 

Yams: Alert 

Markets are active. Jumbo yams are in short supply; this situation is unlikely to ease until we reach the new crop harvest this fall. Orders moving forward will have a high probability of being prorated. Quality is good. 

Market Alerts: 

The items listed below are either being prorated or are in short supply. 

1. Broccoli 
2. Brussel Spouts 
3. Cello Cuc’s 
4. Fuji Apples 
5. Jumbo Yams 
6. Lemons 
7. Oranges 
8. Roma Crunch