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PRODUCE MARKET REPORT

OVERVIEW

MARKET REVIEW

Regional Production Highlights - Week of October 3rd:

As the seasons shift, produce transitions are well underway. Crops like zucchini, bell peppers, corn, and cucumbers are increasing in South Georgia, while squash and cucumbers pick up in Nogales. Tomato production is shifting south with strong local and Mexican supply, while California remains steady. Grapes are in excellent shape, melons are slowing in California but still high in quality, and fall produce like pumpkins is now available. Avocados from Mexico show strong volume and promotable sizes, while supply from California and Peru winds down. Guatemalan imports face delays and weather issues, especially affecting peas, baby carrots, and beans.

Key leafy items like cauliflower, romaine, iceberg, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are limited or escalated due to quality and yield issues. Celery and cabbage are tightening as demand rises. Citrus is transitioning from Valencias to Navels, with smaller fruit expected to remain tight into 2026. Pink grapefruit from California ends mid-October, while Texas and Desert Rio grapefruit will begin ramping up. Lemons remain tight but are improving. Garlic is in full swing in California, though suppliers are cautious with volume. Transportation is active with longer routes as regions shift, and weather forecasts show above-average temperatures in the East and Southeast with normal to above-average precipitation.

 

PRODUCT AVAILABILITY

Fruits

  • Avocados (WATCHLIST): Steady markets, good quality, new Flora Loca crop ripens slower, minimal #2 grade.

  • Bananas: Stable supply, strong quality despite high school demand.

  • Pineapples (WATCHLIST): Very tight supply for next 14 months due to drought and acreage loss; quality remains good.

  • Grapes: Peak season in California; stable quality and volume (Flames, Sugraones, Ivory).

  • Apples: New crop ramping; Galas and Honeycrisp strong, old crop Pinks stretched, Granny Smith & Golden improving.

  • Pears: Market steady, lower pricing; California winding down, Washington ramping up.

  • Blueberries (WATCHLIST): Tight supply in Central Mexico, delays from Peru; demand outpaces supply.

  • Raspberries: Steady production across several regions, Watsonville fruit especially high quality.

  • Strawberries (WATCHLIST): Short-term limited supply due to weather; Oxnard production ramping up soon.

  • Lemons (WATCHLIST): Tight on smaller sizes (165s and below), reduced fancy grade; limited import relief.

  • Limes (WATCHLIST): Very tight across all sizes; larger fruit especially short; prices trending up.

  • Imports/Specialties: Blood oranges and mandarins finishing; grapefruit available (limited Fancy grade).

  • Stonefruit: New crop peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots from CA, SC, GA.

  • Pomegranates, Quince, Cherries, Kiwi, Asian Pears: Limited or fair supply.

California Citrus

  • Lemons (small sizes): Tight availability, impacted by wind damage.

  • Cara Caras, Blood Oranges, Mandarins: Mostly finished for season.

  • Grapefruit: Available, but Fancy grade limited.

Melons

  • Cantaloupe & Honeydew: Domestic supply firming, tight sizing (9s); Brix levels 13–16. Mexico starting in October.

  • Watermelon: Prices rising with tighter supply; available from both coasts and Mexico.

Vegetables

Lettuce

  • Iceberg: Good supply and quality; active market.

  • Romaine & Hearts (ESCALATED): Tight supply, fair quality.

Eastern & Western Vegetables

  • Green & Color Bell Peppers, Eggplant, Squash: Good supply, quality stable.

  • Slicer Cucumbers: Transitioning from Georgia to NC & TN; strong quality in the west.

  • English Cucumbers: Light supply, good quality.

  • Green Beans: Quality and supply mixed due to weather.

Mixed Vegetables

  • Artichokes, Celery, Cilantro, Napa Cabbage, Parsley (ESCALATED): Tight supply and high demand.

  • Asparagus (ESCALATED): Tight from Mexico; Peru delayed.

  • Broccoli (ESCALATED): Limited supply, quality okay.

  • Broccolini (WATCHLIST): Very tight.

  • Brussels Sprouts (EXTREME): Very limited.

  • Cauliflower (WATCHLIST): Limited supply, market firming.

  • Fennel (EXTREME): Low yields, high pricing.

  • Carrots: Steady harvest, good quality.

  • Corn: Transitioning to Georgia; smaller ears expected; good quality.

  • Green Cabbage (ESCALATED): Poor yields, core trimming affecting supply.

  • Red Cabbage (WATCHLIST): Light supply, good quality.

  • Green Onions (WATCHLIST): Light supply reported.

  • Kale: Supply and quality good.

  • Mushrooms: Light volume due to forecasting issues.

  • Rapini: Good quality, light supply.

  • Snow/Sugar Snap Peas (WATCHLIST): Limited from Guatemala; prices elevated.

  • Spinach, Spring Mix (WATCHLIST): Limited supply; insect damage reported.

Onions & Potatoes

  • Onions: Shipping from CA & NM; quality concerns in NM due to rain/flooding; demand strong.

  • Potatoes: Stable availability from storage; Burbanks in mid-October; market expected to stay soft until spring.

Tomatoes

  • Round Tomatoes: Good supply.

  • Roma Tomatoes: Lighter supply expected; transitioning from SE states to Florida; quality mixed but improving.

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