Asparagus: Alert 

Markets continue to be active. 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. Quality is fair to good. 

Berries: 

• Strawberry markets are coming off. 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. Quality is fair. 
• Raspberry markets are steady. 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. Quality is good. 
• Blueberry markets continue to go up. Production in the Pacific Northwest will wrap up next week. Peruvian and Mexican volumes are expected to increase gradually over the next two weeks. Supply will switch to imported 6oz blues from Peru in the next two weeks. Quality is good. 
• Blackberry markets are steady. 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 are slightly limited as fields show signs of pin rot and Diamondback Moth larvae, leading to reduced yields. There is an AOG trigger on all value-added broccoli items. Quality is fair. 

Brussel Sprouts: 

Markets are steady, but supplies are still light. Slight decay and insect damage has been reported. 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 coming off. Supplies remain strong across all areas, with good quality and minimal insect damage. 

Celery: 

Markets are steady. Supplies and Quality are good. 

Citrus: Alert 

• Orange: Markets are up. Valencia’s are peaking on 88ct, with 113ct and 138ct very limited due to school demand. 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. 
• Lemon: 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. 
• Limes: markets continue to be tight as this crop is coming to an end and high-quality fruit is less available. New crop will start in the next few days with smaller sized fruit, larger fruit will continue to be old crop until it is all gone. Quality is fair to good. 

Cucumbers: Alert 

• Cucumber market is tightening as cooler weather is slowing production in the northeast. 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 still steady. Quality is good. 

Grapes: 

Markets are steady. Markets are expected to push toward higher prices as stronger late-season varieties come online. 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 up. 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. 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. 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 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. 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. 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 markets are continuing to be strong as cooler weather is slowing production. Quality is good. 
• Yellow markets are continuing to be strong as cooler weather is slowing production. Quality is fair to good. 

Tomatoes: 

• Round tomato markets are coming off. Eastern production is ramping up with strong quality, supported by North Carolina and California for a smooth transition. Quality is good. 
• Roma tomato markets are up. Volumes from Mexico and California expected to increase mid-to-late September. Quality is good. 
• Grape tomato markets are coming down. Volumes are improving with solid quality, and consistent availability from Mexico, Baja, and California. Quality is good. 
• Cherry tomato markets are steady. Volumes are improving with solid quality, and consistent availability from Mexico, Baja, and California. 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. Jumbo Yams 
3. Lemons 
4. Oranges 
5. Pineapples 
6. Squash 
7. Fuji Apples