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PRODUCE MARKET REPORT

OVERVIEW

MARKET REVIEW

Regional Production Highlights - Week of January 9th:

Small citrus will remain difficult to source for the rest of the season, especially smaller sizes. California Navels are sizing large due to earlier-season weather stress, extended fog, and temperature swings that caused significant fruit drop and quality issues. As a result, pack-outs are lighter and small fruit is scarce. Larger Navels are the most available, while small Navels are the tightest segment; lemons and mandarins are also under pressure. Despite supply challenges, eating quality remains strong with good Brix levels. Flexibility on size, variety, and lead times is essential, and substitutions should be expected. Florida, Mexico, and Texas can help supplement supply but will not fully offset California shortages. This sizing trend should continue through the Navel season and into Valencias.

Transportation remains tight following year-end impacts, with strong freight markets nationwide. Truck availability is particularly limited in and out of Yuma and inter-California lanes, and demand for trucks is expected to remain elevated through crop transitions.

Weather is mixed across growing regions. Florida will be warm and dry before cooling late weekend. California will see gusty winds and cooler temperatures midweek before moderating. Mexico experiences seasonal temperatures trending cooler Sunday, while Arizona sees light showers from a low-pressure system, including measurable rain in Yuma.

 

PRODUCT AVAILABILITY

Citrus

  • Small citrus will remain very limited for the rest of the season

  • California Navels skew large (56/72ct most available)

  • Small sizes (88/113/138ct) extremely scarce into Valencia transition

  • Weather-driven fruit drop and quality issues reducing pack-outs

  • Lemons tight on larger sizes; mandarins impacted by fruit drop

  • Strong eating quality (12–13 Brix); main issue is size, not flavor

  • Flexibility on size/variety essential; expect substitutions

  • Florida, Mexico, Texas supplement supply but cannot replace CA small fruit

Transportation

  • Freight remains tight after year-end

  • High truck demand, especially Yuma lanes

  • Inter-California trucks tight (Yuma→LA/Salinas/Central Valley)

  • Active, elevated transportation markets nationwide

Weather

  • Florida: warm/dry through Saturday; cooler with light showers Sunday

  • California: gusty winds, cool midweek; colder nights then warming

  • Mexico: seasonal through Saturday; cooler Sunday

  • Arizona: light showers; up to ~0.25" in Yuma/central AZ

Tariffs

  • No USMCA tariffs on produce from Canada/Mexico

  • 10% tariff applies to other importing countries

  • Possible price/availability impact for non-USMCA product

Key Fruits

  • Avocados: soft market, good supply and quality

  • Pineapples: escalated; tight on 8/10ct crownless & organic

  • Grapes: escalated; domestic nearly finished, high-priced imports

  • Bananas: stable supply; strong quality

  • Apples: new crop ramping, mixed variety availability

  • Pears: strong supply and promotional opportunity

  • Berries: blueberries gap, raspberries and strawberries firming

California Citrus Details

  • Watchlist on small lemons

  • Escalated small Navel oranges; strong availability in large sizes

  • Advance orders (4–5 days) recommended

  • Flexibility on grade/size needed

Lettuce

  • Iceberg: improving supply from Yuma; good quality

  • Romaine/hearts: escalated, tight supplies

Eastern & Western Vegetables

  • Green bells tightening

  • Color bells steady

  • Eggplant tightening East; improving Mexico

  • Cucumbers mixed by region; steady Nogales

  • Squash mixed; yellow squash tightening, zucchini steadier

  • Green beans mixed quality/supply

Melons

  • Cantaloupe & honeydew escalated

  • Watermelon supplies declining; prices rising

Mixed Vegetables – Notable Tight Items

  • Artichokes, carrots, celery, cilantro – escalated

  • Broccolini, snap/snow peas, red cabbage, green onions – watchlist

  • Brussels sprouts, fennel – extreme

  • Broccoli improving; cauliflower steady

  • Asparagus oversupplied; soft demand

Onions

  • Shipping from CA & NM

  • Active markets, weather-related quality concerns

Potatoes

  • Strong demand and supply

  • Small and large counts tight

  • Trucking continues to influence pricing

Tomatoes

  • Romas & rounds: tight now; improving in 7–10 days

  • Snacking tomatoes: steady Mexican supply and good quality

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