ONTARIO LOCAL
HOTHOUSE TOMATOES– Ontario hothouse tomato production remains steady; however, demand continues to significantly outpace supply, keeping the market elevated; with tight supplies comes a lighter color. The tomato on the vine remains strong, with demand exceeding current supply and running into sourcing issues. The grape tomato market rose sharply toward the end of last week, driven by limited supply and ongoing sourcing challenges. The market is expected to remain elevated until field production ramps up in Mexico and Florida. If the supply gap persists, pricing will likely stay high. Cherry tomatoes continue to be tight, with demand exceeding supply. On-the-vine varieties also remain elevated, with low availability across the board.
HOTHOUSE PEPPERS– Bell pepper production remains strong overall, with demand outpacing supply, keeping the market elevated. Red and orange bell peppers are in a short position this week, with production lagging behind demand. Ontario production is starting to ramp up, which should help ease some of the pressure.
ENGLISH CUCUMBERS– The English cucumber market remains strong, with both production and demand holding steady. Pricing on small sizes is beginning to ease as availability improves, while medium and large sizes continue to hold strong.
RHUBARB– Ontario hothouse Rhubarb continues. Supplies are stable, matching demand. Pricing remains high. Pricing is always very high compared to field rhubarb, which will start in June.
POTATO– Growers continue packing products out of storage. Whites, reds and Yukon golds and chef large #1 are all available.
WAX TURNIP (RUTABEGA)- Rutabaga continues to ship out of storage with good supplies. Prices remain steady.
CARROT– The 2025 storage season is essentially done. Strong demand from the US this year has helped deplete supplies earlier than usual. Heirloom multi colored supplies are steady, with supplies expected into early June, with good quality.
MUSHROOMS– Supplies are good with no disruptions in supply expected.
CABBAGE– Growers continue packing cabbage out of storage. Green and red cabbage supplies are very good. Savoy is finished. Pricing is steady with good demand.
APPLES– Apples continue to be shipped out of storage. Gold Delicious, MacIntosh, Royal Gala, Honeycrisp, Empire, Spartan, Cortland, Red Delicious, Ambrosia and Fuji are 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 strong demand. Most supplies are going to retail programs. Quality is very good; however, berry size is on the smaller side.
Tariff Update
** NEW ** Friday February 20, 2026, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the US president overstepped his powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) when he set broad tariffs last year, making them illegal. The president responded within an hour of the ruling, shifting to the Trade Act of 1974 to enact a 10% global replacement tariff which applies to goods from nearly every nation. This statute allows the president to impose temporary levies/tariff for 150 days. Any extension requires congressional approval. Then, Saturday February 21, 2026 the president increased the import tariff from 10% to the maximum allowed, 15%. USMCA compliant goods of Canada and Mexico will continue to be tariff / duty free. It is important to note that this affects product arriving into the United States only. Offshore produce items arriving into the United States, then sold to Canadian customers have had the import tariff paid by the importer and the cost added to the product, unless the product arrives to a bonded warehouse in the USA for immediate transhipment to Canada, avoiding the US tariff. Canada has not introduced retaliatory tariffs against US imports.
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, clementine’s, lemons, limes, pomelos, papaya, watermelons, peaches, nectarines, cherries and plums.
** RULED ILLEGAL ** 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%. Citrus from South Africa is 30%. Mangoes from Brazil have a 50% tariff. Peru has been assessed a 10% tariff, while 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
Celery: Celery prices are rising as the Arizona/California desert season comes to an end and limited California supplies. Oxnard, California will serve as the primary growing region until the Salinas season starts in early June.
Cauliflower: The warmer weather has led to quality and supply issues. Cauliflower supplies are gradually tightening, and the market is expected to continue to rise into next week. Overall quality is good.
Broccoli: Broccoli markets are expected to remain elevated through April due to low industry supplies.
Brussels Sprouts: Prices are trending higher as supply tightens and import costs rise. Markets are up as the initial glut of supply out of Mexico has passed, resulting in marginally lower overall volume.
Grapes: Heavy rains in Chile have impacted supplies of high-quality grapes. The season may end pre-maturely. Although growers harvested early where possible, remaining grapes may suffer quality issues, and overall shipments are already low and likely to decline further by mid-late April.
Assorted Hot Chili Peppers: Prices for all chili pepper varieties remain elevated due to low volume in Mexico and Florida. The upcoming California season will get underway in mid-April in the Coachella Valley.
Spring Mix / Baby Spinach / Baby Arugula / Baby Kale: Supplies out of Yuma remain limited. Reports of weak texture, discoloration, insects and wilting continue. We are also now seeing disease pressure and mildew which are further impacting yields. Production has transitioned to Salias for next week’s arrivals.
Honeydew: Unexpected lower yields have pushed the market into an extreme situation. Demand excess supply and customers will need to be flexible with sizing. Suppliers are covering contracts the best they can and hoping to see more improvements in volume in a few weeks.
Cantaloupe: Due to heavy retail pulls on 9ct and the already limited 12ct and 15ct, the market is now leaning toward 6s and jumbo 9s. All sizes are expected to be in short supply for the next 2-3 weeks as the offshore melon season winds down.
Washington Apples: The latest storage report is showing that storage inventories are lower than the same time last year. As a result, we are seeing a rising market on many varieties, sizes, and packs, and this trend is expected to continue for the next couple of months. The most significant item that is down this year is Royal Gala apples.
Baby Broccoli / Broccolini: Quality is good. Supplies have improved but remain light with some growers.
Blood Oranges: Blood orange supplies continue to be very tight; most supplies are going to bagging programs.
Bananas: Banana supply continues to be tight and prices could rise over the coming weeks as global demand increases and production in the tropics steadily declines. Pricing is expected to take a noticeable increase in the upcoming weeks. A combination of virus pressure, low yields, and increasing production costs has placed significant strain on this staple commodity.
Eggplant: Florida volume is slowly improving but still light, keeping the market active. Mexico demand was strong through the Easter holiday, with supply expected to improve post-Easter.
Corn: Corn will start in a very small way in Florida over the next week or so. Volumes will be very light, and pricing remains high for the time being. As we get more warm weather, volume will go up and pricing will go down toward a more normal spring/summer cost.
Strawberries: California’s key strawberry growing region, Santa Maria, Oxnard, Salinas, and Watsonville received light to moderate showers, Friday, April 10 through Sunday, April 12. Growers packed ahead in anticipation of these weather conditions.
Blueberries: Supplies are light but steady out of Central Mexico, while California is producing limited volume in the Central Valley. The market is seeing increased availability of 6-ounce packs. The Florida/Georgia growing region is set to begin production next week on a very limited basis.
Blackberries: Blackberries supplies remain tight throughout the industry. Blackberry volume is average; quality is generally good, with minimal defects despite recent heat. Markets are trending higher.
Raspberries: Weather conditions across Mexico remain hot, though temperatures have moderated slightly from earlier in the week. Prolonged heat is beginning to impact fruit condition. Operations continue to run on schedule and volumes are moving as forecasted.
Beans: Florida has transitioned to new crop. Quality and supply has improved. Pricing has returned to normal. Mexico is still harvesting and expect to until California ramps up. Quality is mixed. New crop out of Florida is excellent. Mexico is hit and miss as the season winds down.
California Navel Oranges: The California Navel season is projected to wrap up in late June. California Valencia production has started in a limited manner. Expect elevated prices through the transition. California: Small Navel oranges (113ct and 138ct sizes) will be extremely limited through the rest of the Navel season.
Clementine / Mandarin: Mandarin / Clementines remain limited across the whole category, and supply continues to be tight.
Asparagus: Mexico’s main growing regions have faced extreme heat, cutting yields up to 30% and limiting packable quality. Supply met Easter demand but stressed late-season fields, with quality declining and many Sonora fields closing within 7–10 days. Production will shift to southern Baja in April and Central Mexico in May.
Gold Pineapples: The Pineapple market will remain tight for at least the month of April.
French Green Bean / Baby Squash / Baby Peeled Top Carrots: Production in Guatemala remains limited due to ongoing weather challenges, though supply has begun to improve following Easter demand. There continues to be supply disruptions out of Guatemala due to ongoing roadblocks, political unrest and strikes, compounded by continued transit delays through Guatemala and Honduras.
Snow Peas / Sugar Snap Peas: There continues to be supply disruptions out of Guatemala due to ongoing roadblocks, political unrest and strikes, compounded by continued transit delays through Guatemala and Honduras. Guatemalan snow pea and sugar snap supplies remain good; however, vessel delays may result in inconsistent availability. Mexican and Chinese supplies of snow peas and sugar snaps remain steady.
Limes: The market stabilized after the Easter holiday, but short-term supply is limited due to Mexico’s Holy Week slowdown. Lime markets appear to have reached their peak and are expected to begin easing, with improved supply anticipated moving forward.
Watermelon: Markets remain elevated with limited supply on both coasts Offshore melons are finished, leaving Mexican melons as the main supply until American production begins. Lower yields and Mexican border issues are keeping watermelon prices elevated, while warmer national temperatures have boosted demand.
Stone Fruit: California stone fruit, including apricots, peaches, and cherries, will begin at the end of the month with light supplies, with more volume coming in May.
Hothouse Tomato: Beefsteak tomato production remains consistent, with strong demand continuing to drive elevated market conditions. Ontario production is beginning to really ramp up, and we should start to see increased availability in the coming weeks. The vine tomato market remains strong, with demand exceeding current supply and running into sourcing issues. Heirloom tomato demand is picking up, providing a boost to the market. With local production beginning to slow, pricing is expected to remain firm until additional supply becomes available.
Grape / Cherry / Campari / Cocktail Tomato: The grape tomato market rose sharply toward the end of last week, driven by limited supply and ongoing sourcing challenges. The market is expected to remain elevated until production ramps up in Mexico and Florida. Cherry tomatoes continue to be tight, with demand exceeding supply. On-the-vine varieties also remain elevated, with low availability across the board. Cocktail tomatoes are also seeing a tight market, with little to no availability. Until local production increases, sourcing will continue to be a challenge. The market is expected to stay strong until local production increases. Expect daily pro rates until mid-late April.
Field Tomato: All tomato varieties, rounds, romas, grape, cherry and gourmet medley will start to hit critical supply levels this week, expect to see deep prorates, high prices broadening quality issues.
Field Peppers: Both green and red pepper supplies remain extremely tight across all regions. Contracts have ended 6 weeks early. Availability is not getting any better. Mexico is struggling to get yields, and peppers are not sizing up with limited crossings, while colored peppers remain especially short after early picking as greens.
Hothouse Peppers: Ontario hothouse bell pepper production remains strong overall, with demand outpacing supply, keeping the market elevated. Red and orange bell peppers are in a short position this week, with production lagging behind demand.
Supply and Quality General Update
Insect pressure continues to be an industry-wide challenge across the Arizona / California desert regions due to an abnormally warm winter that is now impacting late-season quality and shelf-life. Thankfully, desert lettuce and tender leaf supplies are finished; processors spent the weekend breaking down and moving their production equipment back to the Salinas Valley to resume production today.
As expected, the move doesn’t come without some friction. Early in the transition, we typically see slower load times as new crews get acclimated to the region and operations reset for the season. Markets are starting to trend upwards. We’re already seeing upward pressure on lettuce, romaine, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and celery as the desert winds down and the coast ramps up. Broccoli is a good example of where things are headed. Desert production is finishing up with lighter yields and some quality pressure from recent heat, while Salinas is just getting going. Quality out of the gate looks good, but supplies remain limited industry-wide, keeping markets elevated through April. Pest pressure is already being noted in some lots, which will be something to watch as we move forward. Brussels sprouts and celery are following a similar pattern. The initial flush of supply has passed, yields are coming in lighter, and markets are beginning to inch higher. Celery, in particular, is seeing the typical tightening as the desert deal wraps up, with Oxnard bridging the gap before Salinas gets fully underway.
Quality and shelf-life performance in commodity and value-added items is expected to improve substantially next week as suppliers begin sourcing raw materials from fields in the Salinas Valley this week, supported by cooler growing conditions. However, expected rain in Salinas, Santa Maria, and Oxnard over the next several days may create short-term harvesting and production challenges, with potential for rain-related quality impacts until conditions stabilize. Ordering for quick turns is recommended, and, as always, cold-chain management throughout the supply chain is critical to maximizing quality and shelf-life.
Berries are also in transition, but in a much different way. Strawberries are now coming out of all five growing regions, with warmer weather earlier in the season pushing production forward. Santa Maria is ramping up with strong quality, while Salinas and Watsonville have started earlier than expected. Santa Maria, Oxnard, Salinas, and Watsonville were expected to receive light to moderate showers, Friday, April 10 through Sunday, April 12 which will have an impact on supplies. Oxnard is just past its peak and volume is on the decline. The result is a split market, with southern fruit trading lower and northern districts holding firmer pricing.
Blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries are all in a demand-exceeds-supply situation as we wait for California and the Pacific Northwest to ramp up over the next several weeks. Citrus is also entering a transition window. Navels are beginning to wind down, with the crop continuing to peak on larger sizes. As we shift into Valencias, expect a different look and profile. Valencias tend to carry more seeds and have a slightly different color internally, but will become the primary orange in the market as we move deeper into spring. Lemons continue to be impacted by coastal growing conditions in District 2, where wind and moisture are pushing more fruit into choice grade. Supplies of small fancy-grade lemons are expected to be extremely limited, as sizing has skewed larger across the crop.
All tomato varieties, rounds, grape, cherry and gourmet medley are at critically low supply levels again this week. Expect to see deep prorates, high prices broadening quality issues. We do not expect any improvement for another 2-3 weeks. In Florida, growers have virtually no supplies to sell; new crop out of Central Florida is still a couple weeks away. All growers forecast minimal volume; fair quality is expected. Normal averages won’t be available until early May. In Mexico, supplies are also at extremely low levels. The Holy Week holiday last week has greatly impacted production as Mexico fully celebrates this holiday. Quality is mixed. Due to critically low supplies, flexibility will be necessary in size and variety to fill orders. Romas are being substituted in many instances as their supply is better. Overall quality is average; We recommend quick rotations to optimize quality due to reduced shelf-life. Prices are at record levels for this time of the year. Some additional supplies will become available in Florida over the next two weeks; however, markets will remain elevated and overall yields low.
Peppers continue to be a pressure point. Florida is still working back from freeze damage, and recent heavy rains, with some areas seeing several inches, have only slowed harvest and reduced yields further. Quality remains inconsistent, and number-one grade product is hard to come by. Mexico isn’t in a position to fill the gap either. Extreme heat across key growing regions is limiting yields, shortening harvest windows, and creating more quality variability. In some cases, growers are simply running out of usable product faster than planned. On top of that, earlier harvesting decisions are now catching up to the market. Red peppers were pulled early while still green to support green demand, and now true red supply is limited. Quality is showing it too, with more reports of chocolating and uneven color development. On top of everything, rising fuel costs tied to escalating tensions in Iran are starting to push truck rates higher, adding another layer of pressure to an already tight supply chain.
Bottom line, not much relief yet. Expect tight supply, elevated markets, and a little more volatility as we finish April.
Transportation Update
The continued conflict involving Iran has significantly constrained the flow of oil and refined‑fuel through the Strait of Hormuz, a major global
energy chokepoint. Fresh produce, which relies heavily on truck transportation, is particularly affected by diesel fuel inflation. Limited trucks and record high fuel costs are putting upward pressure on rates daily. We are seeing several freight companies, including sea and air freight companies, invoking fuel surcharges which will impact cost inputs.
Diesel and aircraft fuel inventories were already limited prior to the conflict. Diesel prices have risen faster than gasoline markets. The diesel fuel US national average surpassed $5.00 per gallon, the highest level since 2022. The current national average is $5.64 per gallon. West Coast prices are exceeding $6.90 per gallon; with some markets over $7.00 per gallon. Diesel represents roughly 20–25% of total trucking cost per mile, making carriers highly sensitive to fuel spikes. Prices are expected to remain elevated until meaningful normalization of global oil flow occurs; no near‑term relief is expected. Temporary fuel surcharges are in effect on most items and transportation lanes until oil prices ease.
VEGETABLES
ICEBERG– West Coast: Yuma production is finished, and Huron will wrap up this week, while Salinas and Santa Maria continue supplying. Pricing is expected to stay competitive, with heavier production due to warm temperatures. Planting gaps are expected in 2–4 weeks, and overall quality remains above average. East Coast: Florida supplies are winding down. The season will run for another week.
ROMAINE / LEAF– West Coast: Romaine, green leaf, and red leaf are slightly more active in the market as growers start production Salinas this week. Some suppliers were offering volume discounts on romaine orders loading in Yuma last week. The market should ease in a few weeks. Yuma production finished last week with slight tip and fringe burn being reported. Romaine hearts are expected to tighten next week. East Coast: Florida supplies are finished for the season.
SPRING MIX/BABY SPINACH/BABY ARUGULA/BABY KALE– Supplies out of Yuma remain limited. Reports of weak texture, discoloration, insects and wilting continue. We are also now seeing disease pressure and mildew which are further impacting yields. Production has transitioned to Salias for next week’s arrivals. Arugula: Quality is fairly good; occasional mildew, bolting, insects and yellowing have been reported. Baby Spinach: Quality is good, but we continue to see occasional quality problems, including mildew and bruising. Spring Mix: Supplies and quality are okay. Weather has affected harvesting and quality, causing additional supply issues. We are also now seeing disease pressure and mildew which are further impacting yields.
US CARROTS– Carrot harvest in Bakersfield is finished, with only light activity starting in the Imperial Valley. Carrot sizing is currently small, as early harvesting was limited to protect the crop. Warm, dry weather over the next 3–4 weeks should improve sizing and availability, helping stabilize the California carrot market. Georgia: The season will run through early June. Commodity supplies are tight; quality is very good. Expect high prices as this region helps fill the void from California. Arizona: The season is underway and will run through July; quality is great. Markets should remain fairly steady through March. Ontario / Québec: Commodity supplies good; storage quality is very good. Expect elevated markets as export demand rises as buyers fill the void from California.
MUSHROOMS– Quality and supplies are very good with lighter demand. At this time, we do not see any supply issues.
BABY BROCCOLI / BROCCOLINI– Quality is good with improved supplies. The heat could affect quality and supplies as we transition out of Yuma to Salinas.
ASPARAGUS– Mexico’s main growing regions have faced extreme heat, cutting yields up to 30% and limiting packable quality. Supply met Easter demand but stressed late-season fields, with quality declining and many Sonora fields closing within 7–10 days. Production will shift to southern Baja in April and Central Mexico in May. Peru asparagus volume is rising, though high temperatures raise quality concerns. Significant volume is expected by mid-April, while air freight costs continue to climb into May. Ontario: The Ontario season started last year on May 6th. It is looking like a similar start date for the 2026 season. The start date is dependent on the weather; warm days and nights above freezing are ideal.
GARLIC- Supplies from China, Mexico and California continue. Quality from all remains very good. China: New crop peeled garlic continues to arrive with pricing easing as supplies increase. Quality is very good. Expect supplies to remain strong exceeding demand. North American: The California 2025 garlic crop is holding up very well as we move through early 2026. Overall, it was a strong season that yielded high-quality garlic, which has helped keep the North American market stable. While the 2025 crop currently in storage is doing fine, the major industry buzz right now is about the upcoming 2026 harvest. With warnings of a potential “zero federal water allotment” for Westside growers, planting decisions and acreage for the summer 2026 crop are under intense pressure. The quality is good. U.S. tariffs on Chinese garlic have shifted demand to Mexico and California.
BEANS– Florida has transitioned to new crop. Quality and supply has improved. Pricing has returned to normal. Mexico is still harvesting and expect to until California ramps up. Quality is mixed. New crop out of Florida is excellent. Mexico is hit and miss as the season winds down.
US NEW CROP RED / WHITE / YELLOW POTATO: The Southern Florida season is winding down quickly. Production in Northern Florida will start in two weeks. Supplies are limited statewide. Despite low volume, quality is very good. Pricing is elevated across all colors and sizes; freeze damage has limited overall availability.
CABBAGE– Ontario: Green and red cabbage supplies are good with very good quality being shipped out of storage. Savoy cabbage supplies are trending lower and the switch to US savoy is imminent. Prices are stable as demand from US buyers stabilizes. Imports: Cabbage supply and quality remain strong out of Texas and Florida for the next couple of weeks. The mid-April transition could be rough as Georgia is running behind; we expect fields to be ready the 3rd or 4th week of April.
CANADIAN POTATO– Canada held 7.3% more potatoes in storage on March 1 than the same time last year. It is Canada’s largest March 1 potato inventory on record. It exceeds the five-year average supply by 16.2%. Increased stocks in Alberta and British Columbia offset reduced holdings in PEI, Manitoba, and Quebec. Inventories in New Brunswick and Ontario are relatively flat. Stocks intended for processing use exceed year-earlier holdings by 9.0%. Table potato inventories are up 0.9%. Seed potato supplies increased by 7.2%, relative to the previous year. Ontario: February potato disappearance fell 8.3%, short of year-earlier movement. That left Ontario with the same volume of potatoes in storage on March 1, nearly matching 2025 holdings. This includes fewer table potatoes from a year ago. February table potato movement exceeded last year’s pace by 8.2%. If last month’s disappearance rate continues, Ontario’s remaining table potato stocks will last through May 30. A reduction in February chip potato disappearance left Ontario with 2.4% more chip potatoes in storage on March 1 than previous year. At the February disappearance rate, those potatoes would be cleaned up by July 30. P.E.I.: Reports indicate that PEI growers will plant 85,000 acres of potatoes this year. That is 2,300 acres less than the 2025 planted area, a 2.6% reduction. Growers indicate that current market conditions and rising production costs are the major factors behind this year’s expected acreage reduc-tion. Springtime temperatures have been cooler than usual. Some areas still have snow along the field edges. Planting on the south-eastern part of the Island may not occur for a few more weeks, which is later than usual. General planting typically gets underway during the second week of May. PEI’s main potato crop could go in the ground a week later than usual this year, but it is too early to know for sure. New Brunswick: Reports indicate New Brunswick growers will plant 52,000 acres of potatoes in 2026. That is 300 acres less than they planted for the 2025 crop. The province does not have a lot of snow left, but the ground is still frozen. It is still early. Planting will likely begin on schedule. Quebec: Potato acreage could be down slightly this year. Growers are planning to plant more Yellow potatoes and fewer Red and Russet potatoes this year. Chip potato acreage will likely remain stable. Over-all, we expect growers to plant 48,000 acres of potatoes this year. That is 882 acres less than they planted in 2025, a 1.8% reduction. Springtime weather has been cold. The province still has snow. As a result, planting could be about a week later than usual. Reports indicate that table potato movement from the 2025 crop has been decent. Packers could use an extra week or two to move the remaining Russet potatoes. British Columbia: The province has a large inventory of potatoes in storage, due to strong yields for the 2025 crop. The province has experienced a mild winter, with above-average temperatures. Warm weather, a bumper 2025 crop, and storage limitations have led to some storage losses. Marketers are hoping to move the remaining yellow potatoes, but they may have more Red and Russet potatoes than the market needs. As a result, demand for early potatoes is down. Reports indicate growers will plant 5,800 acres of potatoes in 2026. That is 200 acres less than they planted last year. Growers will likely shift some acreage between varieties to better meet consumer demand. The planted area for yellow and Russet potatoes will likely remain flat, while acreage for Red and White potatoes could decline. Alberta: Table potato acreage will likely remain unchanged. Overall, reports indicate Alberta growers expect to plant 83,500 acres of potatoes in 2026. That is 1,740 acres more than they planted in 2025, a 2.1% increase. Water could be a challenge for Alberta growers this year, depending on the amount of rain received during May and June. The weather has been cold and dry. Growers could begin planting in about two weeks.
US CARTON BAKING POTATOES– Storage baking potatoes are available in Idaho and Washington. Large-size potatoes are tightening in Idaho, pushing markets up slightly, especially for 40ct through 80ct count supplies. Expect slightly higher prices. Idaho: Storage crop potatoes are being shipped; Norkotah storage supplies will wind down over the next couple of months. Limited Burbank volume is available; 100ct through 120ct sizes are most plentiful. The gradual shift from Norkotahs to Burbanks will result in fewer 40ct through 80ct potatoes. Packouts are diminishing; pressure bruising is a problem in some late-season storage supplies, but overall quality remains strong. Markets for 40ct through 90ct supplies will rise; prices for smaller sizes are holding steady. Washington: Storage crop Norkotah Potatoes are available. Size is dominated by larger counts; strong demand will push up 40ct through 80ct pricing as demand shifts from Idaho. The quality is very good. Markets are steady but will climb with shifting demand. Colorado, Nevada, Wisconsin: All Colorado sizes are available with good volume; demand for large, 40ct and 50ct supplies is active. Nevada production is running at a slow pace, packing to order. Wisconsin yields are dominated by small, 90ct to 120ct sizes. The quality is good. Prices will increase slightly due to shifting demand.
SWEET POTATO– Sweet potato markets are poised to rise. Lower yields along with unexpected surge in demand during January and February has suppliers keeping their remaining storage supplies tight. Prices are anticipated to climb over the summer months until new crop stocks are harvested in late August or early September. California: Remaining storage supplies are adequate. The quality is very good. Strong East Coast demand is pushing markets higher. Louisiana: Very limited supplies remain; the season is expected to finish by the first week of April. Remaining quality ranges from fair to good. New crop harvests will resume in September. Mississippi: Dry summer months reduced overall yields for winter and spring storage. Quality is good. Lower volume and strong demand will push prices higher. North Carolina: Unexpected demand in January and February has forced suppliers to keep remaining storage inventories tight. Quality is good. Markets are expected to increase over the next several months.
ASSORTED CHILI PEPPERS– Prices for all chili pepper varieties remain elevated due to low volume in Mexico and Florida. The upcoming California season will get underway in mid-April in the Coachella Valley. Mexico: Yields are low due to insect and disease pressure. Quality ranges from fair to good. Central Mexico will start production in the next couple of weeks. Prices will likely remain elevated even after the Central Mexico season begins. Florida: The major freeze event in February severely limited the South Florida chili crop. Production remains a few weeks away in North Florida. Georgia peppers will not be harvested until early May. Expect better availability and lower pricing once East Coast production picks up in April/May.
FIELD PEPPERS– While green bell pepper supplies are limited, red bell peppers are virtually nonexistent. Mexico is struggling to meet demand due to lower harvestable yields caused by past weather. Florida production is starting to increase, but overall volume is low. Green peppers are tight. Red peppers are extremely limited. Meaningful volume still more than two weeks out and early yields weakened after the freeze. The market is expected to ease in late April as California and Florida production ramps up, with potential promotional volume emerging. Red Peppers: Mexican supplies are extremely limited due to poor yields caused by past weather. Less acreage is available due to reverse color harvesting earlier in the season (unripe green peppers). Labor shortages due to Holy Week reduced production. Quality ranges from average to poor; color issues and over-ripeness are being reported in choice grade stocks. Buyers are advised to keep tight turns due to shorter shelf life. Florida volume is extremely low; expect day-by-day pallet volume only. Expect elevated prices through April. Green Peppers: Mexican supplies are tight; Holy week reduced overall production. Quality ranges from fair to average as growers harvest final fields. Choice grades and small / medium sizes are most prevalent. The California desert season will start mid-April. The Florida production is increasing post-freeze, but supplies will remain limited through April. Expect high markets until new regions are well established in late Apri. l
BROCCOLI– Broccoli markets are expected to remain elevated through April due to low industry supplies. West Coast: Harvests in the Arizona/California desert will end this week; recent elevated temperatures have impacted quality and reduced yields in the final lots. Production is ramping up in Salinas. Initial quality is good. Diamondback moth pressure has been observed in some lots already. Harvesting continues year-round in Santa Maria, California. Roughly 0.25” of rain was in the forecast last Friday and Saturday, with trace amounts on Sunday; We are working with growers to pack ahead of the rain. East Coast: Florida production is winding down; supplies are expected to be depleted by next week. The Georgia season will begin in mid-April. North Carolina harvests will start in late April. South Carolina production will begin in early May. Ontario / Quebec season will start early July. Central Mexico: Production continues year-round. Quality remains strong with ideal color and shape. No cat-eye or hollow core has been reported.
HOTHOUSE PEPPERS– Ontario hothouse bell pepper production remains strong overall, with demand outpacing supply, keeping the market elevated. Red and orange bell peppers are in a short position this week, with production lagging behind demand. There also continue to be supplies from Mexico, however, their season is winding down. The market is expected to remain tight for the foreseeable future.
CELERY– Celery prices are rising as the Arizona/California desert season comes to an end and limited California supplies. Oxnard, California will serve as the primary growing region until the Salinas season starts in early June. Arizona and California: Harvests in the Arizona / California desert will end this week; recent elevated temperatures have reduced yields in the final lots. Quality is good; the stalk size profile is balanced. Slight seeder has been reported. California’s Oxnard season will run through early to mid-June; new crop Salinas production will begin in early June. Production runs year-round in Santa Maria, California. Florida: The Belle Glade season will continue through the first week of May.
ENGLISH CUCUMBERS– The english cucumber market remains strong, with both production and demand holding steady. Pricing on small sizes is beginning to ease as availability improves, while medium and large sizes continue to hold strong. Mini Cucumbers: The mini cucumber market is beginning to ease as local production ramps up, with increased volumes entering the market and prices starting to decline.
CAULIFLOWER– The warmer weather has led to quality and supply issues. Cauliflower supplies are gradually tightening, and the market is expected to continue to rise into next week. Overall quality is good.
SNOW PEAS / SUGAR SNAP PEAS– There continues to be supply disruptions out of Guatemala due to ongoing roadblocks, political unrest and strikes, compounded by continued transit delays through Guatemala and Honduras. Guatemalan snow pea and sugar snap supplies remain good; however, vessel delays may result in inconsistent availability. Mexican and Chinese supplies of snow peas and sugar snaps remains steady.
FRENCH GREEN BEAN / BABY SQUASH / BABY PEELED TOP CARROTS– Production in Guatemala remains limited due to ongoing weather challenges, though supply has begun to improve following Easter demand. There continues to be supply disruptions out of Guatemala due to ongoing roadblocks, political unrest and strikes, compounded by continued transit delays through Guatemala and Honduras. As a result container arrivals can be delayed. Mexican French bean availability remains tight as cooler weather continues to impact yields. Overall supply is expected to improve as we move into May.
EGGPLANT– Florida volume is slowly improving but still light, keeping the market active. Mexico demand was strong through the Easter holiday, with supply expected to improve post-Easter. The market is likely to soften by mid to late April, making it a good promotion candidate.
ONIONS– The seasons for storage onions sourced from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington are winding down. Fresh-run onions are available in Texas. Pacific Northwest: Washington, Idaho, and Oregon storage supplies are expected to become depleted the week of April 20. Several suppliers will continue to ship into early May. Some growers have ended their storage seasons. Quality on remaining stocks ranges from good to fair; growers are culling end-of-season issues such as internal browning, bruising, decay, sprouting, and translucency. White onions are extremely limited. Some growers are now transferring product from Texas to fill demand. Prices are expected to increase until Southern California production ramps up later this month. We recommend ordering for quick turns and limiting inventory to avoid quality problems. Expect prices to rise over the next two weeks as the season winds down. Utah: The storage season has ended. Some sheds remain in operation, transferring supplies from other regions to fill orders as needed. Mexico: Yellow, red, and white onions crossing into South Texas are decreasing as some growers have stopped shipping for the season. Quality varies by grower and region; green cast, soft texture, mechanical damage, and thin skins are to be expected with fresh-run onions. Prices are higher this week following decreased production last week in observation of Holy Week and Easter. Texas: Fresh-run red, yellow, and white onions are available. All sizes and colors are being shipped. White onions are extremely limited; demand has increased as other growing regions wind down. Quality is good; fresh-run onions will exhibit higher moisture content, thinner skins, and overall shorter shelf-life. We recommend ordering for quick turns. Rain this past weekend limited production, further increasing demand. Expect prices to rise over the next 7-10 days. California: The Southern California desert season will begin in a limited manner the week of April 20. Georgia: The Vidalia, Georgia Onion season is scheduled to begin on April 13. This year’s Vidalia onion season will run from April 13 through early September. This date is set by the Georgia Agricultural Commissioner. Growers can’t pack any Vidalia onions until the official start date. True Vidalia onions are grown exclusively in a 20-county region in South Georgia. Their flavour profile is known for exceptional sweetness and mild flavour. Vidalia crops benefit from growing in low-sulphur soil. Excellent quality is forecast.
CORN– Corn will start in a very small way in Florida over the next week or so. Volumes will be very light, and pricing remains high for the time being. Quality may also be a challenge due to the February freeze. As we get more warm weather, volume will go up and pricing will go down toward a more normal spring/summer cost.
GREEN ONIONS– Green onion supplies continue to improve, easing the market. Quality is good. Availability is expected to remain steady into next week, depending on temperatures.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS– Prices are trending higher as supply tightens and import costs rise. Markets are up as the initial glut of supply out of Mexico has passed, resulting in marginally lower overall volume. Transportation costs are increasing. Sporadic delays at the Mexican border continue to impact imported supplies. Quality is great; good colour, shape, and minimal seeder are being reported. Good growing conditions are supporting strong quality, but lighter volume will influence the market. California’s Central Coast season will begin in mid-July. Expect pricing to incrementally rise through April.
COLLARDS/CHARD/KALE– Weather in Georgia and Florida continues to offer great growing conditions for greens. Supply and quality are excellent. Texas has good volume and supply as well.
ZUCCHINI– There is expected to be steady supply on green but light on yellow over the next week with newer blocks coming on in Florida as well as Mexico. Pricing is very reasonable; quality is good on both. Georgia and California expected to start in 2 to 3 weeks.
FRUIT
PEARS– The pear market is beginning to strengthen. Strong production of Forelle, Anjou, Bosc, and Red pears out of Oregon and Washington State, continues to meet strong demand. Anjou and Red pears are projected to be available year-round and will be promotable through at least June. Bartletts are wrapping up out of the Pacific Northwest and there are now new-crop imported Bartletts from Argentina that are available. Smaller foodservice sizes are less available than in recent weeks. Bosc pears and Anjou are projected to be available until the new crop starts in September, this year and will be promotable through May 2026. There is also Bosc arriving from Argentina and Chile already this week. Pricing and quality are both attractive and we expect them to remain promotable for the next several months.
BLACKBERRIES– Blackberries supplies remain tight throughout the industry. Blackberry volume is average; quality is generally good, with minimal defects despite recent heat. Markets are trending higher. Harvesting is past its seasonal peak in Central Mexico; labor challenges due to Holy Week are also impacting overall availability. Limited production has begun in Baja, Mexico. California and Georgia are still a few weeks away from starting production. Expect tight stocks through mid-late April.
BLUEBERRIES– Supplies are light but steady out of Central Mexico, while California is producing limited volume in the Central Valley. The market is seeing increased availability of 6-ounce packs. The Florida/Georgia growing region is set to begin production next week on a very limited basis. Many Florida growers are reporting crop losses of approximately 80–85 percent due to the February freeze, while others report losses of 50 percent or less.The Pacific Northwest is expected to begin in about three weeks, starting in Oregon and then moving into Washington. Overall, quality is stable, though sizing may vary as crops move through transition. Over the coming weeks, expect increasing availability but continued volatility as multiple regions overlap and move through peak production.
RASPBERRIES– Weather conditions across Mexico remain hot, though temperatures have moderated slightly from earlier in the week. Prolonged heat is beginning to impact fruit condition. Operations continue to run on schedule and volumes are moving as forecasted. Raspberries continue to perform well under current conditions, with strong color, firmness, and flavor. The crop has shown greater heat resilience than blackberries, with stable quality and no major operational concerns. Peak raspberry volumes are expected toward the end of April and will continue through May.
STRAWBERRIES– California’s key strawberry growing region, Santa Maria, Oxnard, Salinas, and Watsonville received light to moderate showers, Friday, April 10 through Sunday, April 12. Growers packed ahead in anticipation of these weather conditions. Santa Maria, California: Berry size is medium; counts have gotten smaller, averaging 18 to 22 pieces per 1-pound clamshell. Quality is good; issues include bruising and white shoulders. Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life. Please order for quick turns. Expect strong demand and elevated markets through next week . Oxnard, California: Berry size is medium; counts have gotten smaller, averaging 18 to 22 pieces per 1-pound clamshell. Defects are minimal; growers report some white shoulders and packing-related bruising. Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life. Please order for quick turns. Expect strong demand and elevated markets through next week. Watsonville/Salinas: Berry size is large; counts range from 10-15 berries per 1-pound clamshell. Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life. Please order for quick turns. Expect strong demand and high price through the next two weeks. Ontario Hothouse: Hothouse production continues to be very light with most production being allocated to retail programs. Quality is good and sizing is on the smaller side.
MANGO– Supply remains stable this week with prices holding steady. Mexican imports are currently representing the overwhelming majority of supply, as the Peru season comes to a close. Mexico’s size curve is presenting opportunities for promotion on large and small fruit, with XL sizes at a slight premium. Guatemala and Nicaragua imports are ramping up in the northeast, and the size curve is mostly focused on smaller fruit. We anticipate strong supply conditions will remain throughout April, with promotional volume and pricing available through early May. Ataulfo supply is more limited this week, and we anticipate stronger market conditions on Ataulfo for the next 2-3 weeks, given the current high demand.
GRAPEFRUIT– Florida: Florida grapefruit is exhibiting good quality, but crop has been impacted by the February freeze. Most growers are finishing out the season this month. California: Star Rubies are currently being harvested. No quality concerns are being reported at this time. Good availability of all sizes. Texas: Texas grapefruit is peaking on large sizes with limited supply of mid and smaller fruit. Offshore: There are arrivals of grapefruit from Turkey, Morocco and Israel. Overall quality is good.
GRAPES– Imports: Heavy rains in Chile have impacted supplies of high-quality grapes. The season may end pre-maturely. Although growers harvested early where possible, remaining grapes may suffer quality issues, and overall shipments are already low and likely to decline further by mid-late April. Green grapes are under pressure due to declining arrivals and strong retail demand, while retailers are promoting red grapes, narrowing the price gap. With limited supply from Peru and weather issues in Brazil, buyers should expect higher prices and inconsistent quality until Mexico’s season ramps up in mid-May. Mexico: The harvest in the early Jalisco growing region will get underway in April. The powerhouse region of Sonora, which accounts for roughly 80% to 90% of Mexico’s export volume is projected to start harvesting around mid-May. California: The early season will start in late spring (Mid-May) in the hot, southern desert climate of the Coachella Valley. By mid-July, the Coachella harvest finishes up, and production physically moves north into the San Joaquin Valley. The San Joaquin Valley carries the industry through the late summer and fall. Thanks to late-ripening varieties and highly advanced cold-storage techniques, California grapes remain available well into December.
AVOCADO– Harvest slowed last week as growers and packers across Mexico paused operations in observance of Holy Week. As the industry returns to normal activity, production volumes are beginning to recover, though overall supply is a bit constrained in the short term. Field prices have stabilized at elevated levels following the holiday, supported by continued competition among packers working to secure fruit and fulfill strong demand. Border market prices are holding firm as a result, with premiums still most notable on medium and large sizes. Looking forward, production is expected to remain at higher levels in the coming weeks, aided by sustained demand and favorable pricing in the field. Fruit maturity in Mexico is expected to remain high through the remainder of the season, which may result in faster ripening and shorter shelf life. Despite the elevated price environment, promotional opportunities are expected to continue through the remainder of the Mexican season. California production continues to ramp up in response to the stronger pricing environment, with current availability centered on medium and large fruit. Early-season California fruit is showing excellent visual and eating quality, and demand is expected to remain strong through April and May. Mexico– A 41.8-million-pound harvest was reported last week. The Main Crop is averaging 34.8% dry matter, and sizing continues to peak on 48ct. As is typical for this point in the season, the percentage of number two grade fruit is gradually increasing.
California– Harvest is ramping up to fill strong demand. Last week harvest volume is reported at 9.8 million pounds. Dry matter is averaging 25%, and the current size curve is peaking on 48ct then 60ct. Colombia– Availability from Colombia is expected to increase throughout April. Sizing is trending on smaller fruit.
CANTALOUPE– Due to heavy retail pulls on 9ct and the already limited 12ct and 15ct, the market is now leaning toward 6s and jumbo 9s. All sizes are expected to be in short supply for the next 2-3 weeks as the offshore melon season winds down. Quality continues to be good. Brix levels mostly range from 12-14. Expect markets to trend higher through April as the crop transitions north to Mexico and the U.S. Very strong quality has been seen all season with no expected changes or disruptions. The Arizona / California season will not begin until early May.
HONEYDEW– Unexpected lower yields have pushed the market into an extreme situation. Demand excess supply and customers will need to be flexible with sizing. Suppliers are covering contracts the best they can and hoping to see more improvements in volume in a few weeks. Central America: Supplies remain extremely limited, though recent production improvements are helping to stabilize coverage. Guatemala transitions between growing cycles. Both Honduras and Guatemala have seen lighter yields this season due to whitefly pressure. All sizes are expected to be in short supply for the next 2-3 weeks as the offshore melon season winds down. Mexico: Quality is improving due to new production in Northern Mexico. Current supplies are dominated by large sizes (4s and 5s), with some 6s available. Supplies remain tight, but volume will build over the next two weeks as Northern Mexico gains momentum. Markets are firm in the near term, but should ease next week.
ORANGES– The California Navel season is projected to wrap up in mid- to late May. California Valencia production has started in a limited manner. Expect elevated prices and tight supplies of small fruit (113- to 138-count sizes) through the transition. California: Navel: Small oranges (113- and 138-count sizes) will be extremely limited through the balance of the Navel season. Size and grade substitutions may be requested to fill orders. Late-season Navel varieties will remain available until mid- to late May. Quality is good; sugar levels range from 10 to 12 Brix. Valencias: Suppliers have begun shipping limited quantities; the season is expected to ramp up in late April. Large fruit (56- and 88-count sizes) will be limited to start the season. Early production will require no gassing as color is ideal; expect gassing in July/August when Valencias start to regreen from high heat. Quality is very good; sugar levels range from 11 to 14 Brix. Florida Juice Oranges: Limited availability on small California navels has pushed demand for Florida juice oranges. Valencias are available with peak sizing on 80/100/125 counts. Florida groves experienced freezing temperatures earlier this year which have affected the crops. Growers are anticipating a shorter season with limited availability as their season winds down. Imports: Spanish navel season continues with a good supply of top quality fruit. As we move through April, late season Navels from Spain will continue until the end of their season in June, when South African Navels will start. There is also a good supply of Egyptian Valencia’s in the marketplace.
BANANAS– Banana supply will continue to be tight over the coming weeks as global demand increases and production in the tropics steadily declines. Pricing is expected to take a noticeable increase in the upcoming weeks. A combination of virus pressure, low yields, and increasing production costs has placed significant strain on this staple commodity. Overall, banana quality remains very good, and supply is adequate. The key to navigating the coming year will be consistency in supply, consistent ordering patterns, and staying proactive to address any potential issues that could impact the program.
BLOOD ORANGE– Blood orange supplies continue to be very tight; most supplies are going to bagging programs. The size profile is peaking on 72ct and 88ct, with very limited availability on 113ct and 138ct. The blood orange season usually runs from mid-late December to June. Overall quality is excellent with good color; current sugar levels range from 12-13 Brix.
CARA CARA– Sizing continues to peak on 56/72 counts and is expected to trend larger as the season concludes. Supplies are very tight. Rains have contributed to size growth, further limiting availability of smaller fruit, 113/138 counts. The Cara Cara variety is a cousin to the Moro, a.k.a. blood orange, and was created by cross-pollinating Washington Navels and Brazilian Bahia Navels. External colour is comparable to that of Navel oranges, in fact it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference until they are cut open. Their pink flesh is juicy and looks similar to a grapefruit, without the bitter flavour. Cara Caras have a high sugar content, low acid, and sweet, berry-like notes. Pricing is a bit higher than the Navel market due to their premium taste and sweetness.
LIMES– The market stabilized after the Easter holiday, but short-term supply is limited due to Mexico’s Holy Week slowdown. Lime markets appear to have reached their peak and are expected to begin easing, with improved supply anticipated moving forward. However, sizing continues to be a challenge, as limited rainfall has delayed crop sizing, supplies remain heavily skewed toward 230/250ct fruit, with 175s and larger sizes still limited. Aside from the tighter sizing profile, overall quality remains good, with minimal oil spotting being reported.
POMEGRANATE– Supplies of offshore fruit continue to arrive from Peru. The war in the middle east is limiting product from Turkey and Israel; supplies are unreliable from these areas. Quality has been good, however, pricing from Peru is higher. Please remember, imported case sizing is 8lbs (8-12ct) while California ships 22lb cases (40-44ct).
LEMONS– The 165ct through 200-ct lemon segment is still experiencing elevated pricing, which can be attributed to ongoing low volume paired with robust demand. Looking ahead to May, we expect offshore and Mexican lemons to play a key role in supplementing supplies, helping to alleviate some of the pressure in the market. California: Small-size lemons (165ct through 235ct fruit) remain limited. Quality is good; especially strong choice-grade fruit. Elevated pricing is forecast for the next six weeks. Offshore: Offshore fruit will begin shipping in May and run through early December. The size profile is expected to be dominated by large lemons (95ct through 140ct fruit) but smaller sizes will be available as well. Expect higher pricing compared to California and Mexican fruit due to higher quality. Mexican: Mexican shipments are expected to begin in June and will run through late November. Expect pricing to be comparable to California fruit until volume rises.
STONE FRUIT– California stone fruit, including apricots, peaches, and cherries, will begin at the end of the month with light supplies, with more volume coming in May. Offshore: The Chilean stone fruit season is now past its peak and is winding down, with supplies gradually tightening. The Chilean peach season concluded abruptly because of continued quality concerns. Nectarines are essentially done with only small amounts expected by week’s end. Imported plums will taper through April. Plums: Volume is good. Quality is good; sugar levels range from 12 to 14 Brix. The season will run through May. High prices will persist until the California season starts in May. California: Cherries: The 2026 cherry season is shaping up to have an early and strong start. The California Cherry Board is anticipating the harvest to kick off right around April 15, 2026. Major packers are confirming this early timeline, noting that favorable spring weather, good pollination, and ideal chill hours have set the stage for a healthy crop that is tracking slightly earlier than last year. While the early varieties will start mid-to-late April, the peak of the season will bring heavy, promotable volumes of fan-favorites like Bing cherries, will run throughout May and into early June. Apricots / Peaches / Nectarines / Plums: The outlook for the 2026 California stone fruit season is largely positive, with growers reporting excellent quality, good sizing, and a slightly earlier start to the harvest than last year. Packing for early varieties of peaches and nectarines will start mid-late April. Plums and apricots will follow closely behind, with the core season running from mid-May through mid-September. The forecast points to strong quality and sweet fruit. Sugar levels are expected to range between 10 and 13 Brix, with sweetness and flavor peaking around late June. While California experienced some variable spring weather—including winter rain storms and hail—the worst of the hail missed the primary Central Valley growing regions. A late-March heatwave has primarily impacted row crops and berries rather than stone fruit orchards.
GOLD PINEAPPLES– Pineapple supplies are tightening as demand rises, with 6/7 count sizes very limited and expected to take 2–4 weeks to improve. Overall supply is slightly lower than previous weeks. Crownless 8 and 10 count sizes and organic pineapples remain tight, while bunker fuel costs will impact pricing. Costa Rica: Demand continues to be high, keeping pricing stable. Growers are reporting limited volume on crownless due to slow ripening of fruit. There is also very limited volume on 7ct. Packing in Costa Rica was limited due to the Holy Week holidays. Volume will start increasing mid-late April. Brix levels average was 13.8, with 20% of the samples ranging between 12- and 13-degrees Brix. Overall, the quality and taste are good. Last week was a short packing week in Costa Rica due to Holy Week holidays in the country. Mexico: There is very little volume being exported out of Mexico with the internal market still higher. Pineapple demand has improved significantly with much less inventory available in the market. Some retailers are starting early with Easter promotions putting additional pressure on the market. Transportation out of Mexico is stable with no issues reported on the roads out of Colima.
MANDARIN / CLEMENTINE– Mandarin / Clementines remain limited across the whole category, and supply continues to be tight. Imports: Imported fruit from Morocco is facing quality challenges, while excess volume in the East—much of it on consignment—has placed some downward pressure on pricing. In contrast, California mandarins are hitting peak quality. California: Mandarins continue to lead the market, with demand remaining strong as availability declines. Tango shipments are ongoing, and Murcotts are arriving earlier than usual to help support supply continuity. Additionally, Egypt’s pause on exports to Japan has shifted demand toward California product. Until Peruvian imports begin, California will remain the dominant supply source.
APPLES– Demand is higher for Washington Royal Gala apples as the Michigan and New York seasons wind down; prices are rising. Demand is strong for Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia. Ontario: Demand for Royal Gala has been strong; packers are sourcing produce from Nova Scotia and Quebec to supplement supplies. Honeycrisp continues to see high demand; however, because this variety is more temperamental in long-term storage, volumes typically begin to drop off more sharply by late spring. Ambrosia is established as a staple variety with significant storage volume available for the April–June window. McIntosh and Red Delicious volumes continue to decline as growers replace older orchards with high-density plantings of the varieties listed above. Prices are stable and should hold steady for April, then start rising as supplies dwindle. Washington: The latest storage report is showing that the amount of apples in storage is lower than the same time last year. As a result, we are seeing a rising market on many varieties, sizes, and packs, and this trend is expected to continue for the next couple of months. The most significant item that is down this year is Royal Gala apples. The latest report shows the crop is down over 20% from last year. This item has really tightened up in the last couple of months, and prices are very high for this time of year. Expect Gala availability and pricing to continue to rise as we progress into April as there is no relief in sight. The other top variety that is short this season is the popular Honeycrisp variety. The Honeycrisp crop was down over last year and has become even tighter over the last month because of strong sales as well as low pack-outs. Overall, we are left with a smaller crop than expected and rising prices. With that said, we still have apples to sell and select promotional opportunities on some of the varieties. Import apples will also give us some relief as we begin to get limited supplies this week. Although we don’t expect the import crop to lower prices, we are hoping that it stabilizes prices over the next couple of months. Michigan: Royal Gala storage supplies will finish in ten days. Red Delicious and Fuji supplies are adequate. All sizes are available; smaller (150ct through 163ct) reds are somewhat limited. Prices are steady.
WATERMELON– Markets remain elevated with limited supply on both coasts Offshore melons are finished, leaving Mexican melons as the main supply until American production begins. Lower yields and Mexican border issues are keeping watermelon prices elevated, while warmer national temperatures have boosted demand. Southern Mexico is all but done for the season as the industry transitions to Northern Mexico April 15-20th. Cold fronts in Florida in January and February have delayed early crops until slowly starting this week. Overall melon market will remain tight and oversold for the next 2 weeks.
HOTHOUSE TOMATO– Red Tomato On-The-Vine & Beefsteak: Beefsteak tomato production remains consistent, with strong demand continuing to drive elevated market conditions. Ontario production is beginning to really ramp up, and we should start to see increased availability in the coming weeks. The vine tomato market remains strong, with demand exceeding current supply and running into sourcing issues. Heirloom tomato demand is picking up, providing a boost to the market. With local production beginning to slow, pricing is expected to remain firm until additional supply becomes available. Bite Size (Cherry, Grape, Cocktail, Medley): The grape tomato market rose sharply toward the end of last week, driven by limited supply and ongoing sourcing challenges. The market is expected to remain elevated until production ramps up in Mexico and Florida. If the supply gap persists, pricing will likely stay high. Cherry tomatoes continue to be tight, with demand exceeding supply. On-the-vine varieties also remain elevated, with low availability across the board. Cocktail tomatoes are also seeing a tight market, with little to no availability. Until local production increases, sourcing will continue to be a challenge. The market is expected to stay strong until local production increases. Expect daily pro rates until mid-late April.
MATURE GREEN FIELD TOMATOES– Supply remains critically short across all regions. Order flexibility (size/variety) and quick product rotation are recommended due to reduced shelf life. Some relief is possible late April to May, but markets remain elevated as rounds are scarce, and demand shifts to other varieties. Rounds: The Ruskin/Palmetto season is just getting underway. Supplies are limited. Average volume is not expected until early May. Mexican yields are extremely low, with only a few growers offering pallet quantities. Production will remain constrained through next week. We recommend substituting romas. Quality is mixed. Romas: Florida supplies are virtually non existent. Romas are more available than rounds. Yields are forecast to increase over the next two weeks. Mexican supplies are tight. Production levels will remain below normal through next week. Quality ranges from fair to average. Prices are rising as buyers use romas to cover round tomato demand. Grape and Cherry: Florida supplies remain extremely limited following the January/February freeze. Mexican volume is declining as the Sinaloa season winds down due to unfavorable weather and disease pressure in the fields.
WILD FORAGED PRODUCTS:
Wild Mushrooms
Bluefoot Mushroom: Not available this week.
** NEW ** Cauliflower Mushrooms: From Asia. Good supplies. 2.2lb packs. Call for pricing.
Cultivated Morels: From Asia (Near Tibet). Great product. Regular steady supplies. Pricing up slightly due to freight rates. 5lb or 2.2lb baskets. Call for pricing.
Foraged Products
** NEW ** Fiddleheads: From British Columbia. Slow start, but some product available. 1lb. / 2.2lb. / 5lb bags. Pricing lower. Call for prices. White Asparagus: From Holland. 5kg cases. “AA” sizing. Pricing higher this week due to freight rates. Call for prices and availability.
Wild Bears Garlic: From France. 1kg basket. Call for pricing and availability.
Stinging Nettles: From British Columbia or Oregon. Pricing slightly lower. Packed in 1lb bags. Call for pricing.
Miners Lettuce: From British Columbia or Oregon. Pricing slightly lower. Packed in 1lb bags. Call for pricing.
Watercress: From British Columbia or Oregon. Pricing slightly lower. Packed in 1lb bags. Call for pricing.
Spring Onions: From British Columbia or Oregon. Pricing slightly lower. Packed in 1lb bags. Call for pricing.
** NEW ** Spring Onion Flowers: From Oregon. Flowers only. 100g package.
Truffles
Winter Truffles (tuber Melanosporum) $$: Pricing higher as season ends. Supplies are very tight. Whole only (25g-250g per piece). Call for pricing.
