ONTARIO LOCAL
** DONE ** BROCCOLI– The Ontario broccoli season is done.
HARD SQUASH– Pepper (Acorn), butternut, spaghetti, buttercup and delicata squash continue with good quality as volume is declining.
Pricing is steady with stronger overtones.
POTATO– The 2025 crop is under cover for the winter and growers are packing product out of storage. Yields are down significantly in some
regions, due to the hot, dry growing conditions. However, parts of the province that received adequate rain produced above-average yields.
The size profile has been disappointing in some areas. Chef Large #1, “A”, “B” and “C” (creamers) sizes are all available.
PEARS– Both Ontario Bartlett and Bosc pears continue. Both are packed in 8x2L clamshells. Supplies are good, with excellent quality. Bosc
pears will run until December, while Bartletts will wrap up over the next 7-10 days.
LEEKS– Packing out of storage, supplies remain steady with good demand. Quality is very good.
CHINESE VEGETABLES– Baby Shanghai bok choy and nappa continue. Regular bok choy has finished. The season will end over the next 7-
10 days. Quality is good with steady demand.
WAX TURNIP (RUTABAGA)– New crop rutabaga continues with good supplies. Prices remain steady.
CARROT– Carrot growers have this season’s crop fully under cover for the winter and are packing out of storage. Quality is very good and
prices are steady. Heirloom multi colored and red carrot supplies are very good with good quality.
MUSHROOMS– Supplies are good with no disruptions in supply expected.
CABBAGE– Growers have finished harvest with product now in storage for the winter. Green, red and savoy cabbage supplies are very good.
Pricing is steady with good demand.
APPLES– Apple harvest is complete with supplies now shipping out of storage. Gold Delicious, MacIntosh, Royal Gala, Honeycrisp, Empire,
Spartan, Cortland, Red Delicious, Ambrosia and Fuji ae all in very good supply. Quality is very good with all sizes available.
HOTHOUSE LETTUCE– Supplies of Sensei Farms baby lettuce are very good with very good quality and exceptional shelf life. Hydroponic
boston/butter supplies are good.
HOTHOUSE STRAWBERRIES– Very light supplies of Ontario hothouse strawberries continue with very strong demand. Quality is very good;
however, berry size is on the smaller side. Supplies should improve in the new year.
ENGLISH CUCUMBERS– Production remains steady with good demand. Quality is very good. Pricing remains steady at lower levels. Sizing
is more balanced with mediums being the predominant size with good supplies of large and extra-large.
Tariff Update
** NEW ** Announced, November 14th, 2025 tariffs for products imported into the USA were removed from over 200 grocery items.
Tropical fruits such as avocados (except from Mexico where the USMCA agreement is already tariff free), pineapples and mangos, bananas,
oranges and tomatoes from anywhere except Mexico, where the anti-dumping duty remains in place, had their tariffs retroactively removed
effective November 13th. There are several items the tariffs were not removed, such as cantaloupe, honeydews, asparagus to name a few.
Effective September 1, 2025, the 25% Canadian retaliatory tariffs for items that fall under the CUSMA free trade agreement will end. The list of items includes all USA grown tomatoes, cherry & grape tomatoes, beans, oranges, mandarins, tangerines, satsumas, clementines, lemons, limes, pomelos, papaya, watermelons, peaches, nectarines, cherries and plums.
A new round of US tariffs took effect Friday August 7th that will affect imports from the USA for pineapples from Costa Rica; rate was 10% now 15%, bananas from Ecuador, rate was 10% now 15%. Guatemala remains at 10%. Again, this is only for products landing on US soil, sold to Canadian destinations. If these products can land in Canada, bypassing the US, there will be no tariffs. There are no additional tariffs on items that fall under the Canada, US, Mexico agreement. As Canada and the US did not reach an agreement by August 1st, items not covered by CUSMA are subject to a 35% tariff into the US. Canada has not announced any further retaliatory tariffs.
On Monday July 14th, as previously announced, the US U.S. Department of Commerce announced it is withdrawing from and terminating the 2019 Agreement Suspending the Antidumping Duty Investigation on Fresh Tomatoes from Mexico. In its place, a 17.9% anti-dumping duty on Mexican tomatoes destined for the USA replaced the agreement. Canada can still import Mexican tomatoes duty free under the USMCA agreement. Roma and round tomato market impacts are expected to be minimal until the main Mexican season begins in the Fall. Grape and cherry tomato supply is more reliant on Mexico and markets may react differently.
The April 2nd, tariff announcement, in Washington, confirmed Canadian and Mexican produce, destined for the USA that are compliant under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), are not subject to additional tariffs. That being said, many produce items from Central America and other countries imported into the USA and then sold to Canada are now subject to a blanket 10% tariff. This includes offshore avocados, bananas, French beans, pineapples, melons and some herbs among numerous other products. There is great concern about the broader application of tariffs on global trading partners and the potential disruptions to supply chains and market stability.
MARKETS TO WATCH: AT A GLANCE
Gold Pineapples: The pineapple market has started to settle down some but remains tight. Pineapple supplies are expected to become
extremely tight January through June, 2026.
Assorted Chili Peppers: Expect elevated prices for the next few weeks as weather issues, regional transitions, and reduced plantings limit
availability. Mexico’s Baja and Sonora early-season production is still recovering from October storms.
Baby Broccoli (Broccolini): Quality is fair, and supplies are extremely tight. Growers are prorating. Some growers are only covering 50%
of 10-week averages.
Broccoli: Quality is okay, but supplies are still very limited. Growers have moved to Yuma, but the rain has limited yields.
Baby Squash: Guatemala continues to show good production, and quality is steadily improving week over week.
Snow Peas / Sugar Snap Peas: Supply from Guatemala remains very limited due to recent weather challenges, and improvement is not
expected for another two to three weeks. Production in Peru is nearing its seasonal end, which is contributing to tighter overall availability.
Eggplant: Georgia is finished, and Florida (Immokalee) is done. Volume is ramping in South/Central Florida and Mexico (Nogales). Markets
are expected to be slightly higher.
Celery: The market is firm, with moderate to light supplies expected from Oxnard, California for the rest of the week. All value-added
celery items have triggers.
Green Onions: Recent heavy rains across desert growing regions have increased prices and reduced yields. The Mexicali growing region
experienced significant rainfall, creating muddy field conditions and delaying harvesting crews.
Cauliflower: Cauliflower supplies remain limited as the Salinas season winds down and Yuma is slow to start. Quality is fair, and supplies
are tight. Value-added cauliflower products are still triggered.
Spring Mix, Baby Spinach and Baby Arugula: Supplies of tender leaf and spring mix varieties are limited in the Yuma growing region,
due to recent heavy rains. Prices remain higher with the limited supplies. Recent rain events have taken a toll on all tender leaf items.
California Iceberg: Yuma production has improved slightly; demand continues to exceed supply. The market is still very active. Value-
added iceberg items still have several triggers.
California Romaine / Leaf: Value-added romaine and leaf items still have several triggers. Demand is steady with all leaf items.
Romaine and romaine hearts remain the most limited, while green and red leaf lettuces have better availability compared to recent weeks.
Canadian Potatoes: Most of the country’s potatoes are grown in the four eastern provinces, PEI, New Brunswick, Quebec, and Ontario.
Several growing regions in those provinces did not receive the rain needed during August and early September. As a result, yields and size
profile are expected to be down over 2024 by 9%.
Limes: The lime market is tightening with lower volumes crossing. Active markets are expected through early 2026 due to holiday demand.
Honeydew: Offshore melons remain tight and are primarily reserved for contracts. Honeydew pricing is steady, supported by good supplies
of Mexican fruit.
Cantaloupe: Cantaloupes are now arriving in Southern Florida. Cantaloupe prices are elevated due to vessel delays.
Stone Fruit: Chilean cherries, by air have started. Pricing is very high. Italian black plums are sporadically available. The first Chilean peaches
and nectarines will arrive mid-December.
Brussels Sprouts: Markets are elevated and supplies are extremely limited due to quality issues severely reducing yields. Quality is poor;
discoloration, seeder, and small size are prevalent. Value-added products continue to have three triggers.
Grapes: The grape market is expected to strengthen through December. California green grapes from storage are essentially finished, while
reds are expected into mid-December. Early Peruvian imports have started arriving on the East Coast, with volumes building on both coasts
into December. The offshore Chilean season will begin in mid-December.
Hothouse Peppers: Ontario greenhouse production is done. Growers have started transition to Mexican operations for supply.
Strawberries: Supplies will be extremely limited in California over the next two weeks due to prior rain events. Mexican supplies are
increasing; the weather has improved. The Florida season has begun in a limited manner. Neither Mexico nor Florida has enough fruit to fill
the void left by California. Imports from Egypt, Peru and New Zealand will start to arrive to fill the gap in supply.
Watermelon: US grown watermelons are finished. Prices remain steady, with Mexican watermelons from Nogales supplying the Midwest and
East Coast. Offshore watermelons are also available in very limited quantities.
Beans: High demand last week for the US Thanksgiving holiday and light supply have driven prices higher this week. The freeze that impacted
the southeast has impacted overall volume.
Field Peppers: Recent rains in Coachella have delayed harvest, tightening supplies of both red and green peppers, with reds especially
limited due to delayed first picks. The Georgia season is essentially finished. Florida is slow this week but improving, and a new region,
Loxahatchee in Florida is beginning which will help with overall supplies. More green peppers are starting to arrive from Nogales, with
additional shippers coming online this week and higher volumes expected into next week.
Zucchini: Supply and markets will be mixed this week due to the recent cold weather in the east. With Georgia wrapping up the demand will
quickly transition to South Florida for the winter. We will still see steady crossing through Nogales and McAllen filling any void.
Blood Orange / Cara Cara Orange: The import season is finished. California blood oranges and Cara Cara’s are anticipated to begin in
early December. The rain may push back the start of Cara Cara’s.
Supply and Quality General Update
As we start December, product from the desert is finally starting to show signs of returning to normal. After a messy stretch of storms that
slowed harvests and complicated load times, fields in Yuma are drying out, plants are responding to the warmer days, and we’re seeing the first
real signs of stability since transition began. Iceberg, romaine, and leaf are all showing steady improvement. Weights are still inconsistent, but
quality is notably better than the tail end of Salinas. We should see more reliable supplies, with lighter demand as we move through the first two
weeks of December.
If the weather continues to cooperate, most growers expect volume and carton weights to normalize by mid-month. Brussels sprouts will remain
a problem throughout December. California’s coastal acreage is still battling the fallout from heat, rain, and heavy diamondback moth pressure.
That combination has created small sizing, seeder, and discoloration, and it continues to limit the amount of usable raw material for value-added
programs. Relief is not expected until Mexico begins harvesting mid-late December, with more noticeable improvements showing up in January.
Strawberries are going to stay tight through the first half of December. Oxnard is producing light but improving volume, Santa Maria is finished
until late December, and Central Mexico is coming on gradually. Baja will begin soon. Florida is slowly increasing, but it will not be a major factor
until mid-December. Blueberries should remain in decent shape thanks to Peru and increasing Central Mexico crossings. Blackberries and
raspberries look steady with solid supplies out of Baja and Mexico.
We’re also seeing challenges in green onions due to significant rain in Mexicali earlier this month. Cooler nights are slowing growth, and supplies
will stay snug over the next 7-14 days. For holiday staples like potatoes and onions, quality remains excellent, but freight will continue to be a
factor. Truck capacity out of the Northwest historically tightens through the end of the year, and 2025 is no exception. High trucking cots on
prices will continue to influence movements into December.
VEGETABLES
ICEBERG– Value-added iceberg items still have several triggers. Yuma production has improved slightly; demand continues to exceed
supply. The market is still very active. Recent rain in Yuma has limited availability, with Yuma production running moderate to light. Weights
remain light. Some growers are prorating. The after effects of the recent rain has caused harvesting delays, and we expect some production
gaps over the next few weeks. The weather has affected quality. Common defects include discoloration, brown butts, and misshapen heads with
carton weights ranging from 35–41 pounds. This is causing additional supply issues. Yields will continue to be challenging as we go into the
holiday season.
ROMAINE / LEAF– Value-added romaine and leaf items still have several triggers. Demand is steady with all leaf items. Romaine and
romaine hearts remain the most limited, while green and red leaf lettuces have better availability compared to recent weeks. Quality issues
reported include, mechanical damage, lightweights, tip or fringe burn and light cupping. Most production is currently occurring in Yuma. Yields
will continue to be challenging as we get into the holiday season.
SPRING MIX/BABY SPINACH/BABY ARUGULA/BABY KALE– Supplies of tender leaf and spring mix varieties continue to be limited in the
Yuma growing region, due to recent heavy rains. Prices remain high with the limited supplies. Recent rain events have taken a toll on all tender
leaf items. Demand has shifted to arugula and tender leaf items due to shortages on lettuce and leaf items. Quality is average; yellowing leaves
and product breakdown are main quality challenges. Quality should improve into next week.
BABY BROCCOLI / BROCCOLINI– Quality is fair, and supplies continue to be extremely tight. Growers are still prorating. Some growers are
only covering 50% of 10-week averages. Pricing is at the extreme level. The weather has affected harvesting and quality. This is causing
additional supply issues. Yields will continue to be challenging as we go into the holiday season.
MUSHROOMS– Mushroom supply has stabilized with no issues on the horizon.
BEANS– High demand last week for the US Thanksgiving holiday and light supply have driven prices higher this week. The freeze that impacted
the southeast has impacted overall volume. We do expect some improvement over the coming weeks as newer blocks come available and
demand eases. Supply is steady crossing through Nogales and McAllen. Overall, quality is good. Snipped: Snipped green bean supplies will
continue to be tight. We are also seeing quality issues and shorter shelf life. We expect this to continue into next week.
BROCCOLI– Overall quality is just okay with very limited supplies. Regional broccolis deals are finished. Growers have moved to Yuma, but the
recent rain has limited yields. We have still had reports of browning, pin rot and Diamondback moth larvae. Some growers are still prorating.
Yields will continue to be challenging as we go into the holiday season.
ASPARAGUS– Mexico: Mexican asparagus supplies are steady to slightly lower as holiday demand raises prices. Southern Baja leads production,
with Sonora winding down and Central Mexico starting up. More regions open late December. Peru: The southern Ica region has begun to taper
off due to seasonal shifts, resulting in a stronger mix of smaller and standard sizing. Peru is increasing shipments with strong Northern quality,
though large sizes are limited. This week’s arrivals will be slightly lighter than last week. Overall supply is becoming more balanced as volumes
increase from both regions. With more standard sizing available, market activity has softened, and pricing has become less aggressive. In the
coming weeks, we expect continued improvement in supply, which should lead to market stability.
GARLIC– Whole cloves and peeled garlic prices are steady as new crop supplies from China, Mexico and California continue. Overall demand is
light. Supplies exceed demand. China: Peeled garlic supplies are now matching demand. Pricing remains stable. Quality is very good. North
American: California garlic is progressing with good quality, complemented by ongoing Mexican supplies. U.S. tariffs on Chinese garlic have
shifted demand to Mexico and California.
CABBAGE– Ontario: New crop green, red and savoy cabbage continues with very good quality with strong supplies. Harvesting has concluded
and product is shipping out of storage. Prices are stable as demand from US buyers stabilizes. California: Supplies continue to improve. Quality
is good. Value-added cabbage items are no longer triggered. Midwest/East Coast: A return to warmer weather in Georgia has improved
supplies, we expect to begin to see volume this week. Texas/Mexico: Imported supplies from Central Mexico continue to cross into South
Texas with generally lower pricing. The South Texas season will begin in late November/early December. Overall quality is good.
US CARTON BAKING POTATOES– Potato supply for the remainder of the year will be fully supported by storage shipments, with no major
challenges anticipated. Sizing and overall availability are expected to be strong across all categories. Shippers have been working vigorously to
get everything packed and shipped on time for the US Thanksgiving holiday. Now, the Christmas holiday pull will begin in about a week. There
are no real changes to the markets, however pack time for last-minute orders is limited. Burbank potatoes are slowly becoming available, with
Norkoths as the main variety. Washington potatoes are producing excellent quality, peaking on mid sizes, while large and small counts remain
tight. We have excellent supply and quality russets of all sizes out of Idaho. The long-term outlook mirrors last season, when the market
remained relatively soft until late spring, at which point tighter supply led to higher pricing.
CELERY– The market is firm, with moderate to light supplies expected from Oxnard, California for the rest of the week. All value-added celery
items have triggers. The weather has affected harvesting and quality. This is causing additional supply issues. Yields will continue to be
challenging as we go into the holiday season. Yuma is not expected to begin until after Christmas. Growers will begin production in Belle Glade,
Florida and Coachella, California in mid to late-December. Oxnard will be the primary shipping point for the next 4 weeks. Market prices continue
to trend upward. Demand has risen due to the holidays. Quality is generally good, with only slight seeder issues reported. All sizes are available,
though overall production will be light.
CANADIAN POTATO: Estimates indicate Canadian growers 3.8 million hundred weight less than the country produced in 2024. If the forecast is
accurate, this is Canada’s third-largest potato crop on record, behind 2023 and 2024. The projection is based on early October harvest reports.
Increases are being seen in New Brunswick, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia. Production estimates for PEI are lower, while
projections remained unchanged in Ontario and Saskatchewan. Harvest conditions have been mixed across Canada. Though conditions in general
have been favorable, harvest progress was slow in some regions due to high temperatures. Growers in several provinces have finished
harvesting this year’s potato crop. Others should be able to wrap up next week. Ontario: Some growers have already finished harvesting, while
others still have 10%-15% of this year’s crop left to dig. In general, harvest conditions have been mostly favorable. There were a few hot days,
but some growers continued digging through the heat. Recent rains this past weekend could improve harvest conditions. Yields are down
significantly in some regions, due to the hot, dry growing conditions. However, parts of the province that received adequate rain produced
above-average yields. Crops under irrigation also produced favorable yields. Reports indicate that the size profile has been disappointing in some
areas. Packout rates will be lower for at least part of Ontario’s table potato crop. We expect Ontario growers to harvest 40,000 acres of potatoes
this year. That is 1,240 acres more than the harvested area for the 2024 crop. Crop estimates fall short of Ontario’s 2024 potato crop. P.E.I.:
Prince Edward Island did not receive the late-summer rain needed to size up this year’s crop. The Island has received very little rain since early
July. Reports indicate that yields are down 25%-30% in some areas. Growers have been pleased with production on irrigated fields, but only
about 10% of PEI’s potatoes are grown under irrigation. Crops are also better on the west side of the Island, which received more rain. Potato
quality appears to be average, but the size profile is smaller than usual. The local processor has been importing potatoes from Maine and New
Brunswick to cover the raw-product supply gap. Yields were so light in some fields that growers chose not to dig them. We expect growers to
harvest 87,100 acres of potatoes this year; 2,000 acres more than they harvested last year. Production for the 2025 potato crop is forecast to be
14.4%, less than the 2024 crop. Approximately 75%-80% of the potatoes have been harvested. The Island received 1-3 inches of rain last week
which improved digging conditions. Most growers should be finished harvesting by the end of the week, which is about a week earlier than
normal. New Brunswick: Nearly all growers have finished harvesting. Yields have been mixed for the 2025 potato crop. Part of the southern
growing region, which received very little rain during the summer, produced below average yields. Yields were average or slightly above average
in most other parts of the province. Reports indicate that yields were exceptional in some of the northern growing areas. Yield estimates for New
Brunswick’s 2025 potato are expected to be slightly less than the yield for the 2024 crop. Though processors reduced contracts, growers did not
cut acreage. We expect New Brunswick growers to harvest 51,900 acres of potatoes this year. That is 950 acres less than they harvested in
2024. When combined with this year’s expected yield, that would generate less than the province harvested in 2024, a 2.4% reduction. Local
processors should have enough raw product to operate plants at planned levels. Overall, quality appears to be good, even in areas with poor
yields. Recovery rates are expected to be above average. Some open processing potatoes are expected to be shipped to PEI. Quebec: Around
75%-80% of Quebec’s potato crop has been harvested. Harvest conditions have been mostly favorable. Growers did shut down for a few days
due to high temperatures. Some growing areas experienced freezing temperatures one night, but that did not affect the crop, and growers were
able to dig by noon the next day. Reports indicate that yields and size have exceeded earlier expectations. However, they are below average in
some parts of the province that received very little rain during July and August. Overall, quality appears to be good. Yield estimates for the
province have increased, however, yield will be less than the 2024 provincial average yield; however, it is more than the five-year average. We
believe that growers will harvest approximately 47,500 acres of potatoes this year, 1,067 acres more than the 2024 harvested area. The 2025
estimate falls 1.3%, short of Quebec’s 2024 production. Saskatchewan: Most growers were able to finish harvesting slightly ahead of schedule
due to the dry conditions. Reports indicate that the size profile and quality of this year’s potato crop are close to average. Yield estimates will
match the 2024 yield. We estimate that growers will harvest 7,200 acres of potatoes this year, 200 acres less than they harvested for the 2024
crop. The expected yield and acreage combination less than the 2024 crop; a 2.1% reduction. Alberta: The 2025 potato harvest is virtually
complete. Some seed potatoes are still in the ground, but growers are out of storage space. Harvest conditions were nearly ideal. Processors and
growers have been pleased with the quality of this year’s potato crop. Reports indicate that Alberta’s seed potato crop is one of the best in
several years. Overall, yields are expected to be average or slightly above average. Yield estimates for the province exceeds the 2024 yield and
would be a record-breaking crop. Raw product supplies are more than sufficient for local processing needs, due to increased acreage and strong
yields. One processor has been purchasing open processing potatoes to send by rail to its plants on the east coast for next spring.
CAULIFLOWER– Cauliflower supplies remain limited as the Salinas season winds down and Yuma is slow to start. Quality is fair, and supplies are
tight. Value-added cauliflower products are still triggered. The weather continues to affect harvesting and quality. Expect supplies to remain
tight until the Arizona/California desert season begins to ramp up in December.
EGGPLANT– Georgia is finished, and Florida (Immokalee) is done. Volume is ramping in South/Central Florida and Mexico (Nogales). Markets
are expected to be slightly higher. Quality remains solid from all locations.
SNOW PEAS / SUGAR SNAP PEAS– Supply from Guatemala remains very limited due to recent weather challenges, and improvement is not
expected for another two to three weeks. Production in Peru is nearing its seasonal end, which is contributing to tighter overall availability. Pricing
continues to be elevated as demand far exceeds available supply. Mexican production has recently begun, but volumes remain insufficient to meet
market needs. Yields continue to be challenging, and most growers are only covering 50% of averages.
FRENCH GREEN BEAN / BABY SQUASH– Guatemala continues to show good production, and quality is steadily improving week over week.
Vessel arrivals have returned to normal, after shipping arrival schedules were unpredictable due to continued weather issues in the Caribbean
Sea and port congestion. Supplies of baby squash, baby peeled carrots and colored baby peeled carrots are slowly returning to normal. Mexico is
providing a fair supply, keeping overall availability in a stable position.
ASSORTED CHILI PEPPERS– Expect elevated prices for the next few weeks as weather issues, regional transitions, and reduced plantings limit
availability. Mexico’s Baja and Sonora early-season production is still recovering from October storms. Western Mexico: Supplies remain
extremely limited as cold weather, rain, and freeze events have reduced volume and delayed production in Baja, Sonora, and Sinaloa. Baja
harvests are light while growers are waiting for the Sonora season to begin, creating ongoing supply gaps. Serrano, Jalapeño, and Anaheim
chiles remain especially tight due to size issues and reduced plantings driven by water scarcity, weather volatility, rising input costs, and a
tighter export outlook. Fewer Serrano, Red Fresno, Habanero, and Anaheim acres were planted, contributing to shortages. Weather-related
damage is driving potential quality issues such as softness, breakdown, and inconsistent size. Central Mexico: Serrano markets remain
extremely elevated while Jalapeño prices are trending higher; other varieties remain relatively steady. All peppers loading through South Texas
are from Mexico, where slow starts in the growing areas of Tamaulipas and Sinaloa are creating supply gaps. Poblano supply levels are strongest
right now, while Serrano and Jalapeño are the most limited. The harvesting transition to Northern Mexico is underway, but meaningful volume is
still one to two weeks out. No weather issues reported; quality is strong. East Coast: Stocks are currently loading in Florida; the winter season
has started in La Belle. Jalapeño and Cubanelle yields are increasing. Serrano and Poblano production is light; Anaheim supplies are not currently
available.
FIELD PEPPERS– California: Recent rains in Coachella has delayed harvest, tightening supplies of both red and green peppers, with reds
especially limited due to delayed first picks. Light volume and smaller sizes will continue, with the desert deal wrapping up soon. Tight supplies
are expected through next week. Georgia / Florida: The Georgia season is essentially finished. Florida is slow this week but improving, and a
new region, Loxahatchee in Florida is beginning which will help with overall supplies. Mexico: More green peppers are starting to arrive from
Nogales, with additional shippers coming online this week and higher volumes expected into next week. Markets should remain steady to slightly
lower after the US Thanksgiving holiday, with stronger supplies expected the first week of January, especially on colored bell peppers.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS– Markets are elevated and supplies are extremely limited due to quality issues severely reducing yields. Value-added
products continue to have three triggers. The combination of high heat and rains throughout the California season continue to impact
quality and reduce yields of the Salinas-area crop. Quality is poor; discoloration, seeder, and small sizing are prevalent, reducing overall
volume. Supplies are quickly diminishing amid higher demand; jumbos are especially limited due to excessive seeder. Supplies will be very
limited through December. The Mexican season is anticipated to start in mid- to late December, with volumes helping to offset reduced
Salinas supplies by early January 2026. A limited supply of imported Holland and Guatemalan sprouts are available at some shipping points as a
supplemental option. Expect elevated pricing and extremely limited supplies for the next five to six weeks with relief anticipated after the
Mexican season begins.
CORN– There is lighter supply in the west while supply is steady out of Florida and Georgia. We are in all new crop and quality is good.
HOTHOUSE PEPPERS– Ontario greenhouse pepper production has ended. Ontario produce will start in March. Product from Mexico has started
to take over supply. Pricing has increased with good demand. Quality remains good.
GREEN ONIONS– Recent heavy rains across desert growing regions have increased prices and reduced yields. The Mexicali growing region
experienced significant rainfall, creating muddy field conditions and delaying harvesting crews. Cooler nighttime temperatures are forecast over
the next ten days, further hindering growth and reducing supplies. Quality ranges from fair to average; wet conditions could lead to soft onions
that are more susceptible to early decay. Seasonally reduced labor forces may also impact availability throughout the upcoming holiday season.
Expect markets to climb and remain elevated over at least the next ten days, pending any further weather events
ENGLISH CUCUMBERS– Pricing and supplies remain steady. Quality remains very good. The sizing profile is balanced, with all sizes available.
Mini Cucumbers: Production has improved with better supplies and steady pricing. Quality remains very good.
ONIONS– Imports: The onion market is expected to remain stable into January. With harvest concluding, all product will ship exclusively from
storage from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado. While we may see a modest increase occur, no significant market movement is
anticipated. The outlook remains steady, and any potential changes are unlikely to occur. Overall, supply, quality, and pricing should continue to
favorable, with plenty of availability expected barring unforeseen disruptions. Ontario / Quebec: Ontario continues shipping good supplies of
new crop cooking onions and red onions; prices remain steady as demand is fairly light. Quality is very good.
COLLARDS/CHARD/KALE– Supplies are starting to wind down from Ontario and other northeastern growers. Green, red and black kale as well
as green. red and rainbow swiss chard are in good supply, transitioning to Texas for supply. Quality is very good on Texas product, while just fair
on remaining local product.
ZUCCHINI– Supply and markets will be mixed this week due to the recent cold weather in the east. With Georgia wrapping up the demand will
quickly transition to South Florida for the winter. We will still see steady crossing through Nogales and McAllen filling any void. Mexico: Zucchini
supply remains strong; yellow is somewhat limited with a wide price spread. Florida: Production is expected to increase over the next 7–14
days. Markets are likely to ease after the US Thanksgiving as demand softens and supplies improve.
FRUIT
PEARS– The Northwest pear harvest has made a tremendous comeback from last year’s crop and is back on its feet with a 60 percent increase
over 2024; with the entire US pear crop estimated at a 22 percent increase. Continue to promote pears into the winter months, as the abundant
high-volume yield will be available to support further activity. Washington, Oregon and California will be shipping some outstanding quality pears
in all varieties. The ideal time to promote pears is during the Christmas holiday periods. Current pear demand is moderate with a steady market
out of Washington, Oregon and California. Washington: Anjou pears are now in good production. Regular storage Bartletts are beginning to
show lighter color and have shorter shelf life compared to a few weeks ago. Bosc and Red pears remain in good supply. Harvest has a way to go
and will continue into November this year. Ontario: The Ontario pear season continues with good supply and very good quality of Bosc. Bosc
pears will run through December, while Bartlett and D’Anjou will wrap up in about 7-10 days. Pack size is 8x2L clamshells.
MANGO– Industry supply is coming from Ecuador, with nearly 1.3 million cases arriving into the market, while Brazil is now essentially finished.
We will continue to see good volume from Ecuador for another 2-3 weeks before volume starts to decrease. Volume is expected to start to
decrease packing late-November for arrivals as early as the second week of December. Peak sizing is ranging between 12s, followed by 10s
some 9s and few larger sizes. The main variety available is Tommy Atkins, with limited volumes of Ataulfo (Honey), Keitt, Kent, and Palmer.
Demand is stable, and pricing continues to decline across the category. As Ecuador becomes the primary source, the size curve is trending
toward smaller fruit. However, the industry continues to depend on Brazilian imports for larger fruit, which remain limited and command a
premium.
RASPBERRIES / BLACKBERRIES– Blackberry and raspberry prices are stable. Supplies are plentiful; quality is very strong. Raspberries:
Mexican quality is strong; fruit is firm with bold colour. Quality is very good out of Baja, Mexico. Expect steady markets. Blackberries: Mexican
supplies have rebounded after recent rains. Quality is strong with occasional soft fruit being reported. Expect markets to remain steady.
BLUEBERRIES– Blueberry prices are stable with plentiful supplies; quality from both regions continues to be very good. We expect that to
continue into December. Peru is finished and Mexico is ramping up production. Mexico: Central Mexico is increasing production through McAllen,
Texas, and quality has been very good with increasing yields. Peru: Peruvian supplies are winding down, though a few containers are still
enroute. Quality remains good with firm fruit, good bloom, and minimal defects.
GRAPEFRUIT– Florida: Florida grapefruit reported with great quality excellent internals. Available volume is meeting demand with sizing
peaking on 40/48 count. California: Marsh Rubies are being harvested right now, with 48ct being the most common size, shipping from
Riverside and the San Joaquin Valley. Imports: Some import grapefruit is still available as importers push out their remaining inventory. Larger
sizes (32/40 counts) are more prevalent, with limited availability on smaller fruit (45/55 counts). Pending demand and movement, import
grapefruit should finish up in the next few weeks. Texas: Season has started with great quality reported and sizing similar to Florida, peaking on
40/48 counts. Availability is limited but expected to improve this month with colder weather helping fruit maturity.
STRAWBERRIES– Supplies will be extremely limited in California over the next two weeks due to prior rain events. Mexican supplies are
increasing; the weather has improved. The Florida season has begun in a limited manner. Neither Mexico nor Florida has enough fruit to fill the
void left by California. Santa Maria/Oxnard, California: Plants are being stripped of fruit after last week’s rains, significantly reducing
harvestable berry counts per plant this week and next. Volume will be a challenge over the next 5-10 days as new fruit on the plant will take
time to color up. Virtually no harvesting will occur this week; any supplies picked are being sent to processors. Quality remains a challenge;
concerns include decay, pin rot, and water damage. Expect extremely low volume for the next 5 to 10 days. Mexico/South Texas: Supply
levels were impacted by prior rain events, but will recover week over week as the weather has improved. Quality problems include white
shoulders, skin bruising, and green tips. Volume will increase in early December. Expect limited stocks and high prices for the next 5 to 10 days.
Florida: Although cooler weather has slowed growth, supplies are increasing. Defects include white shoulders and green tips. Size ranges from
19 to 24 berries per 8/1-pound clamshells. Expect low volume and elevated markets. Offshore Imports: Due to light overall supplies we will
see imports from Egypt, Peru as well as New Zealand and Australia to supplement supplies. Ontario Hothouse: Hothouse production continues
to be very light. Disease has caused the industry to pause and consider better growing options to avoid future disease. Retail is taking most of
the production. Quality is good and sizing is on the smaller side. Expect to see stocks tighten and markets increase. Supplies will improve in the
new year with new crops, grown using new techniques.
POMEGRANATE– California supplies are plentiful with a great variety of all sizes. The California harvest season runs from early September
through November while supplies will be available into February with later supplies being shipped out of storage. Ordering will need to be
adjusted as imported case sizing is 8lbs (8-12ct) while California ships 22lb cases (40-44ct).
GRAPES- The grape market is expected to strengthen through December. California green grapes are tightening faster than reds, with growers
finished for the season. Greens from storage are essentially finished, while reds are expected into mid-December. Early Peruvian imports have
started arriving on the East Coast, with volumes building on both coasts into December. The offshore Chilean season will begin in mid-December.
AVOCADO– Mexico– Markets remain soft, with plenty of fruit still on the trees and lighter demand. Aventajada is the primary crop being
harvested and shipped. Dry matter and oil content are similar across both crops, generally in the mid to high 20s. Sizing is consistent, peaking
on 48s and 60s. Due to the rain during this time of the season, there is an increased presence of Lenticel. Lenticel are small brown spots that
develop on the skin after harvest, especially during the rainy season. Lenticel has no effect on internal quality. The Main Crop continues to ramp
up, now representing about 70.2% of total harvest volume. Chile– The Chilean season is underway. Limited volumes are landing in North
America, and similar availability is expected through the 2026 season. Colombia– The Principal Crop remains in full swing, with most volume
headed to the European market. If market conditions shift, additional fruit may be directed to North America in the coming weeks or months.
LEMONS– District 3 (CA Desert/AZ) remains the primary growing region, though its volume is expected to decline over the next few weeks.
Imported lemons from South Africa continue with lighter volume. California: Market conditions are improving as District 1 (San Joaquin) begins
light harvest, though fruit still needs a few days of gassing to color, similar to navels. Volume should build as nights cool. District 3 (CA
Desert/AZ) remains the primary region, but its volume will taper over the next few weeks. Mexico: The crop is winding down but continues to
show mostly choice-grade fruit, with lighter volume on fancy-grade. Smaller fruit is now more limited with mostly larger fruit, 75/95/115 counts,
available. Offshore: Offshore fruit from Argentina and Chile are past their peak. Quality is average; brown spotting, early decay, and scarring
are being reported. Expect higher pricing compared to California and Mexican fruit.
BANANAS– Banana supply remains stable despite continued strong demand for school business. There are rumblings that prices will increase in
December. Overall, banana quality has been very good.
GOLD PINEAPPLES– Costa Rica / Honduras: The pineapple market has started to settle down some but remains tight. Demand remains
high, keeping pricing stable. Overall, the quality and taste are good. Pineapple supplies are expected to become extremely tight January
through June, 2026. Keeping in mind that it takes about 24 months from planting to harvesting, there was continuous rainfall in Costa Rica in
October, 2024 thru March 2025 when growers were needing to plant. The entire industry had a planting gap of 2 months. Costa Rica supplies
90% of North American pineapple demand. This is what’s creating the expected industry supply shortage for the first half of 2026. Currently,
growers are performing a balancing act, harvesting younger fruit as they try to avoid quality issues that affect the pulp during periods of excess
rain. Brix levels remain at an average of 14. There was heavy rainfall last week, with a total of 200 mm for the week. Additionally, the downward
trend in air temperature continues, reaching a minimum of 69F. Demand was moderate for the US Thanksgiving holiday pull. Reduced ad activity
was in place due to tariffs. The Christmas pull expected to be better with the tariffs now removed. The extended outlook shows an increase in
precipitation, combined with a decrease in temperature, confirms the onset of natural flowering events in the plantations. This physiological
phenomenon, triggered by specific climatic conditions, could lead to a significant rise in production starting in May 2026. Although the magnitude
and impact cannot yet be quantified, growers are gathering data for future production forecasts. Mexico: There is still very little volume out of
Mexico. Mexico’s internal market is offering much higher prices than exports which is helping growers secure better sales locally. Internal market
is less demanding and requires much less effort to place. Yields have improved slightly with sizing curve trending more into the middle of the
curve with most supply 6s and 7s. Transportation out of Mexico is stable with good availability of trucks to service pineapple, no delays
happening last week.
WATERMELON– US grown watermelons are finished. Prices remain steady, with Mexican watermelons from Nogales supplying the Midwest and
East Coast. Limited availability is coming from Mexico via Texas and Nogales, as last month’s rain impacted production. Offshore watermelons
are also available in very limited quantities.
CANTALOUPE– Arizona-California Desert Region: The Westside deal has concluded. Central America: The transition to offshore production
has begun arriving to ports on the East Coast. Cantaloupes are now arriving in Southern Florida. Cantaloupe prices are elevated due to vessel
delays. Offshore melons arrivals are mainly in 9s; a small percentage of 12ct are also available. Brix levels range from 11-14%; very good
internal quality is being reported. Sizing is expected to remain a challenge into early December. Sonora, Mexico: Supplies are now available
however, due to previous food safety concerns in this growing region, Fresh Start does not source Mexican cantaloupes.
HONEYDEW– The honeydew pricing is steady, supported by good supplies of Mexican fruit. Arizona-California Desert Region: The Westside
deal is complete. Sonora, Mexico: Mexican honeydews are being used to supplement the supply until offshore volume increases. While Mexican
melons are available, recent border delays, due to protests are limiting new arrivals. Mexican honeydews will continue to fill orders until offshore
production ramps up. Central America: The first shipments of offshore honeydews started to arrive in Southern Florida last week. Offshore
melons remain tight and are primarily reserved for contracts. Offshore shipments into Northeastern and West Coast ports will begin arriving this
week. Prices are expected to remain elevated over the next two to three weeks during the transition period.
STONE FRUIT– Chilean cherries have started to arrive via air in both 5lb and 11lb cases. Prices are quite high, but will ease as we move
through December. Black plums from Italy continue to be the only option for stone fruit until Chilean peaches, nectarines and apricots arrive
sometime mid-December. Plums supplies are sporadic at best; however, quality is very good.
ORANGES– California: Navels are in full swing. Volume out of California is good as growers continue to harvest and pack. Varieties being
harvested include Fukumotos, Becks, and some Ti’s. Size structure is 72/88/56/113, in that order; smaller sizes tightening into December /
January. Gas times for degreening are running around 24 hours, and the market remains steady. Cooler nights are helping reduce gassing time.
Overall crop quality looks strong, with noticeably less thrip damage, leaning towards fancy collectively. Offshore Import: Navels: Import
supplies from Chile and Uruguay are trending down as most have shifted to California. There are some importers with remaining inventory but
expect import navels to phase out this month. Valencias: Midknight valencias are available from South Africa and Chile. Supplies are good and
priced lower than product from California. Quality is reported good with great juice content. As with import navels, Midknight valencias are
expected to finish this month with demand shifting next to Spanish Navels. Texas: Navels out of Texas are peaking on 72/88/113 counts. Good
quality is being reported. Florida: Florida Juice Oranges: Hamlin crop is peaking on smaller sizes (138/125/100 counts). Larger sizes are
expected to remain more limited. Supplies are projected through most of January with a smooth transition to valencias. Good quality is being
reported. Florida Navels: Quality is good, but overall crop volume is slightly down. Harvesting has begun with peak sizing on 64/80/56 counts.
Mexico: Mexican imports (crossing in Nogales, Arizona) are expected in mid-November. Great quality is forecast; sugar levels will range from
12-13 Brix. Prices will be comparable to those in Florida and Texas.
BLOOD ORANGE / CARA CARA: Import Caras: The import season is finished. California: Blood oranges and Cara Cara’s are anticipated to
begin in mid-December. The rain may push back the start of Cara Cara’s. The fruit set is slightly down this season but average diameter is
larger. Sizing is expected to be similar to navels, peaking on 56/72 counts, with overall more carton output. When blood oranges begin in
December, please be aware that the typical “blush” exterior may not be present, though internally you will find it. By mid-January, you will begin
to see more of the typical exterior “blush” color on blood oranges.
MANDARIN / CLEMENTINE– Imports: Murcotts from Chile are still available, but supply is winding down. Sizing profile is favoring smaller
fruit, peaking on 32/36 counts. A smooth transition is expected from southern to northern hemisphere imports. Moroccan early-season varietals
have started arriving and supplies will continue to build through late November into early December, with Murcotts and Nadorcotts to become
available early next year. California: Harvesting has begun, starting with Clementines. Volume is expected to ramp up approaching December.
Good outlook on volume for early and mid-season varietals; Clementines, Pages, and Leanris. Crop sizing expected to be slightly larger, peaking
on 21/24/28s. A reduction in mid- to late-season varietals is anticipated; Tangos and Murcotts. However, the later season varietals are
anticipated to have larger sizing, peaking on 18/21/24 counts. No quality issues are reported at this time.
LIMES– The lime market is tightening with lower volumes crossing. Mexico: Active markets are expected through early 2026 due to holiday
demand. Large sizes (110ct -150ct) are peaking now, while smaller sizes (200ct -230ct) will peak by mid-December with the new crop. Some
lots may show occasional styler. Prices are expected to rise for the holidays, Colombia: Limes are available for loading out of Florida; supplies
remain steady with strong quality. Sizing is well balanced. Minimal scarring or blanching has been reported.
APPLES– Ontario: Ontario growers continue packing and shipping out of storage. Golden Delicious, MacIntosh, Royal Gala, Honeycrisp, Empire,
Spartan, Cortland, Red Delicious, Fuji and Ambrosia are all available. Quality is excellent, with good color, excellent crunch and high brix. Prices
have stabilized and should hold steady into the New Year. Washington: The apple harvest has now been completed, and the weather remained
favorable for the entire harvest. This means that the growers got all the apples off the trees this year before the freezing temperatures set in.
The crop is now being reported to be around 135 million cases this year which makes it an above-average crop. Many varieties have larger crops
this year including Granny Smith, Cosmic Crisp, and Honeycrisp. It is important to note that the Honeycrisp crop is much larger this year than
the very small crop last year, but it is smaller than the bumper crop we’ve had in past years. We expect the Honeycrisp market to creep up in
price over the next couple of months. The most significant item that was down this year were Royal Gala’s. The latest report shows
the crop is down a whopping 20% from last year. There are still plenty of Gala to get us through until next season but expect pricing to rise
each month throughout the season. The other item that was down this year was Red Delicious, being reported down by 8% this year. We expect
that growers will still have plenty of Red Delicious to ship this season at attractive prices. Overall, there is a great crop of apples to sell, and the
category will be very promotable well into next year.
HOTHOUSE TOMATO– Red Tomato On-The-Vine & Beefsteak: The Ontario hothouse tomato season is finished. Ontario production will
resume late March, 2026. Growers have started utilizing Mexican operations for supplies. Demand remains steady with supplies easily meeting
demand. Pricing is stable with light demand. Bite Size (Cherry, Grape, Cocktail, Medley): Hothouse production of all bite sized tomato has
transitioned to Mexico. Quality is good, with supplies meeting lackluster demand.
MATURE GREEN FIELD TOMATOES– East Coast: Supply is plentiful on new crop rounds out of Ruskin and Palmetto. We are seeing growers
dealing across all sizes with lackluster demand. Quality is outstanding. Expect this market to remain fairly steady to slightly lower going into
next week, pending any cold weather events. Roma tomatoes are in lighter supply. This combined with recent higher demand have put upward
pressure on prices. We expect volume to increase over the next week, and with lighter demand expect pricing to ease. Overall quality is good
out of Florida. Cherry, Grape and Gourmet Medley supply is tight due to the cool weather and strong holiday demand. We should see some
improvement this week as demand eases. Quality will be mixed. Mexico: Mexican tomatoes crossing into the USA have a 17.9% duty.
Mexican tomatoes placed in bond, destined to Canada are duty free. Round tomato volume is steady crossing through McAllen and Otay
Mesa. Quality is good. Roma tomatoes are light supply this week crossing through McAllen and Baja. This combined with higher demand for the
holiday pull have put upward pressure on prices. The cool weather slowed production down and will most likely be late next week until we see
volume increase. Overall quality is good. Grape tomato supplies are light with higher demand from the east has put upward pressure on price.
WILD FORAGED PRODUCTS:
Wild Mushrooms
** NEW ** Candy Caps: From Oregon. Sweet and delicious seasonal delicacy now available for a short time only. Candy caps have a
sweet aromatic maple sugar scent that is really quite remarkable.
Yellowfoot: From British Columbia and Sweden. Prices steady. 6lb baskets.
Black Trumpet Mushroom: From France. 5lb basket. Pricing lower. Call for pricing.
Sweet Tooth / Hedgehog Mushroom: From Oregon. Excellent quality. As good as sweet tooth get. Call for pricing.
Bluefoot Mushroom: Gapping in supply this week.
Pine (Matsutake) Mushroom: From Oregon / British Columbia. Supplies are better. “A” (button) and “B” (open cap) grades available. Prices are stable. Call for pricing.
Yellow Chanterelle: From Oregon. Top quality. Supplies are good with steady pricing. Medium size readily available while buttons are short. 2.2lb or 6lb basket. Call for pricing.
Truffles
Winter Truffles (tuber Melanosporum): Season just started. Quality is improving, but still immature. Call for details.
White Truffles (tuber Magnatum): Season is in full swing. Excellent quality now. Pricing is lower. Call for availability and pricing.
Burgundy Truffles (tuber Uncinatum): From Italy. Good quality. Very tight supplies as season ends and supplies transition to winter truffles. Prices are rising. Call for pricing.
