Produce Market Alerts:  as of March 25, 2025

Apples - The apple market remains stable, with a healthy supply of food servicesized apples available.

Asparagus – Asparagus supplies from Mexico remain very tight due to heavy rains and winds in Caborca, which have led to reduced yields. As a result, the market continues to be more active, with decreased volumes coming from the region.

Avocados – ***ALERT***,Markets remain high, with no harvest yesterday due to Benito Juarez Day. Harvest resumes today, and size structure is peaking at 60ct and smaller, with 48ct+ priced higher. California's season is ramping up, but limited harvest is expected this week due to rain. Elevated markets will persist until relief in Mexico.

Bell Peppers – South Florida has a reliable supply, with new fields offering larger varieties and established fields providing sun-ripened options. XL sizes are limited this week but expected to increase. Sinaloa is slightly up, with moderate Western volumes. Quality in Florida is strong, and Sinaloa’s quality will improve in 10-14 days.

Berries (Blackberries) –***ALERT***  Blackberry supplies are growing increasingly limited due to the high temperatures in Central Mexico. A significant portion of the harvest is not meeting quality standards by the time it reaches the border.

Berries (Blueberries) – Markets are firming up as availability becomes lighter for most shippers. West Coast production won't increase until after Easter. Central Mexico and Peruvian offerings are light, and Florida's season is just beginning, with a few more weeks needed to ramp up.

Berries (Raspberries) – Production from Baja and Central Mexico remains steady, though it is lighter than usual.

Berries (Strawberries) – The California berry season is ramping up with ideal weather. Baja production will peak in the next week or two with high volume. Florida finishes this week, and Central Mexico is nearly done, with only some larger shippers still crossing fruit into the U.S.

Broccoli – Broccoli supplies and quality remain strong across all regions, with the market expected to stay steady through the weekend.

Brussels Sprouts – Domestic and Mexican supplies remain strong, with no changes expected in the overall volume outlook. Both bulk and processed categories are solid options for promotion. Quality is generally very good, though some domestic crops show occasional insect damage, while Mexico's crop is in good condition but has some elongated seed cores/stems.

Carrots – Harvest in the Imperial Valley desert growing region is progressing smoothly, and the outlook remains positive. Lake Park, GA is shipping a variety of products, including chunks, cellos, jumbos, and baby sizes, with shipments expected to continue through May. A friendly reminder to place snack pack orders 48 hours in advance.

Cauliflower – Cauliflower supplies have improved, with quality and texture showing significant enhancement over the past few weeks. The market is expected to remain steady through the weekend.

Celery – Demand is moderate, with light production in Yuma and plentiful supplies in Oxnard/Santa Maria. A few shippers are adjusting based on order size, so promotions are encouraged. Transfers to Yuma will continue with a surcharge, even for contract orders, so please be aware. Overall, quality remains good with most shippers.

Citrus (Grapefruit) - Ruby Reds are available, primarily peaking at 56ct and smaller sizes. They are being shipped from Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley.

Citrus (Lemons) –Markets are firming up across the board as the rain has helped the fruit size up. We're seeing a tightening of 115ct and smaller sizes. The main regions, District 1 (San Joaquin Valley) and District 2 (Ventura County/Oxnard), are peaking on 95ct and larger.

Citrus (Limes)– The market is significantly higher, with lower yields expected, particularly on larger fruit. Some offshore fruit is available, loading out of Miami. The market is expected to remain steady through Easter, with a slight decrease anticipated afterward, barring any tariff changes.

Citrus (Oranges) - Peak sizes are now 72ct/88ct, with deals still available on smaller sizes. Rain is tightening markets due to reduced harvesting, and Brix are around 13. It's a strong year for foodservice, with Valencia oranges expected late May/early June.

Cucumbers – Florida production is slowly increasing with good quality, and supply is expected to improve in 7 days. The Honduras import season is nearly finished. Mexico (Sinaloa/Sonora) is seeing moderate production with high quality, and volumes are set to rise next week

Eggplant – Florida supply is currently limited, with Plant City expected to start in mid to late April, possibly resulting in a volume drop. Sinaloa has a moderate to substantial supply with good quality, remaining steady through Lent. The next region to watch in the West is Coachella, which will begin production in May.

Garlic - Garlic quality is outstanding, and supplies are anticipated to remain strong in the coming weeks.

Grapes (Green & Red) – After two months, the glut is nearing its end, starting with green seedless grapes. The market is currently split between older grapes with issues and newer, retail-ready arrivals. The older grapes should clear out in a week or two, leading to a more balanced market in both quality and price.

Green Onions – Green onion supplies remain plentiful with strong quality, and this trend is expected to continue into next week.

Kale – Kale supplies are expected to remain plentiful this week with excellent quality, and this trend is likely to continue into next week.

Lettuce (Iceberg) – Production is ongoing in Yuma, Huron, and Santa Maria, with warm temperatures in Yuma possibly affecting the season's end. Quality in Huron and Santa Maria is good, and the market remains steady. Weights range from 39-43 pounds across regions, with a pricing gap of $3-$4 depending on the supplier.

Lettuce Leaf – The market is firm with multiple suppliers, and green/red leaf and butter will have ample availability this week. Production is in Yuma, Huron, and southern CA. Warm temperatures may cause light fringe and tip burn next week, but quality remains above average. Romaine hearts are steady across all regions.

Lettuce Tender Leaf – Supplies are good with fair quality as we approach the start of the Yuma season. However, some tip burn on the leaves is being reported due to the recent and ongoing warmer weather in the area. As the transition period progresses, expect supplies to tighten.

Melons (Cantaloupe) – Cantaloupe pricing has stabilized and is beginning to soften. The spring crop (third rotation) from Guatemala has arrived just in time for the Easter pull. Retail contracts are expected to drive increased demand, and suppliers are preparing accordingly. Sizing is peaking on 9s, with 12s in limited supply

Melons (Honeydew) –Offshore honeydews are available at all ports in CA, TX, FL, and the Northeast. Nogales honeydews from Mexico are also available, with the market peaking on larger sizes.

Melons (Watermelon) – Watermelon demand remains light, and supplies are stabilizing. Prices are expected to hold steady this week, with better availability on larger sizes.

Mushrooms - Promotable volumes are available, with pricing remaining steady at lower levels.

Onions – Yellow and red onions from ID, OR, and WA are in strong supply, while white onions in the Northwest remain limited. TX and MX are bringing onions to market, with TX onions available. Market pricing is below production costs. Mexican onions are available through early May, and California’s season is set to start in mid to late April.

Pears - Pears are in a tough spot—California's Bartletts won't arrive until mid-July, and Washington's crop is down 25-50%. Bosc pears are nearly nonexistent, leaving just Anjou pears, which are slowly creeping up in price while we all settle for them.

Pineapples – ***ALERT*** Pineapple supply will remain tight until mid-April, with peak volumes expected in May. Costa Rican pineapples are the main source, and large crownless pineapples are in high demand. Rain is expected to lower yields, impacting availability and pricing in the short term.

Potatoes – The market is 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 available from NC, Arkansas, and California. Mississippi's crop is ending due to a short yield.

Squash – South Florida has a strong zucchini supply, but yellow squash is limited due to weather. Zucchini quality is good, while yellow squash is moderate. The West is transitioning from Sinaloa to Sonora, and the East has more zucchini than yellow squash, with both offering good quality.

Stone Fruit – Imported stone fruit is beginning to wind down, with domestic fruit set to start in late April or early May, beginning with cherries. This will be followed by apricots, peaches, and nectarines, with plums expected to start in late May or early June. Meanwhile, the kiwi market remains steady.

Tomatoes – ***ALERT*** Production in South Florida and Ruskin/Palmetto is light due to January's cool weather, resulting in slower maturity and limited supply. Ruskin/Palmetto volumes are expected to increase slightly in 2-3 weeks, while Culiacan remains low, lighter than January/February. Grape harvest is improving, with more light expected soon. East/Central Mexico will remain light until late April.

Weather

CALIFORNIA 
High pressure will weaken today, allowing the marine layer to reestablish and bringing temperatures closer to normal. Morning lows will range from the low 40s to upper 40s, with daytime highs between the mid 50s and mid 70s. A low-pressure system passing to the north Thursday into Friday will bring gusty winds and below-average temperatures. As skies clear Friday night, minimum temperatures will drop to the mid 30s to mid 40s. A second system will arrive Sunday, bringing a chance of light showers through early next week, with initial rain totals expected to be less than ¼.

MEXICO
Warm temperatures with little change are expected over the fields of Central Mexico through the weekend. Highs will range from the upper 70s to upper 80s through Friday, and from the low 80s to low 90s over the weekend. Lows will be in the low 50s to low 60s through Thursday morning, transitioning to mostly upper 40s to upper 50s from Friday through Sunday morning. Shower activity will remain widely isolated through Sunday, with rainfall totals ranging from 0.02” to 0.15” in most showers. However, higher totals are possible with some thunderstorms. Expect drier weather from Friday through Sunday.

FLORIDA
Warm temperatures and mostly dry weather are expected through Friday. However, the chance for showers and thunderstorms will increase over the weekend. Winds will gust near 20 mph through Thursday, reaching closer to 30 mph on Friday. In northern Florida, maximum temperatures will range from the upper 70s to mid 80s through the weekend, with lows in the mid 50s to low 60s through Sunday morning. In central and southern Florida, highs will warm into the low to mid 80s most days through Sunday, with lows ranging from the low 60s to near 70 across most areas through the weekend.

ARIZONA
Record-high temperatures on Tuesday will be followed by a gradual cooling trend through Saturday as a broad low-pressure trough moves in from the west. Highs will drop to the low to mid-90s across most fields on Wednesday, cooling further to the mid 70s to low 80s by Saturday afternoon. Morning lows will peak in the low to mid-60s on Wednesday, cooling to the low to mid-50s by Saturday and Sunday. Westerly winds could become a concern on Friday, with gusts increasing from 15-20 mph in the morning to 20-30 mph in the afternoon. Winds will gradually subside through the weekend, with warming returning by Sunday afternoon.

Freight 

Seasonal changes across the country and transition to summer growing regions is on the horizon. Be prepared for multi-region loading, and increased shipper delays as new crops become available.