ONTARIO LOCAL
** SOON ** ROMAINE- Romaine is slightly behind schedule. Expect a June 1st start date, with good volume June 7th.
** SOON ** GREEN & RED LEAF– We expect to start to see supplies start sometime this week. Cooler nights have slowed growth. Supplies will be good by the week of June 7th.
** SOON ** ENDIVE / ESCAROLE– We expect to start to see supplies start around June 3rd with good volumes June 7th.
** SOON ** GREEN / RED KALE– We should start to see red and green kale around June 11th.
** SOON ** COLLARDS / SWISS CHARD– We should start to see both collards and red and green local swiss chard around June 11th.
** SOON ** CILANTRO / DILL / METHI– Cilantro should start around June 11th while dill and methi will be around June 16th.
** SOON ** PARSLEY– Both curly and plain parsley should start the week of June 28th.
** SOON ** KALE / DANDELION– We should start to see both red and green local kale and dandelion greens around June 11th.
** SOON ** FIELD STRAWBERRIES– The Ontario field strawberry season is quickly approaching. The plants are currently in bloom. Depending on mother nature we can expect a June 7th – 14th start. There are 2 distinct seasons; the June bearing crop. This is the “classic” season everyone thinks of. It is short but intense, usually lasting only 3 to 5 weeks. After about a week to 10 day gap, the ever-bearing or day-neutral crop will start. Many farms now grow varieties that produce fruit into the late summer and even October, though the volume is lower than the June peak.
** NEW ** BUNCH RADISH– There are now steady supplies of bunch radish. Quality is outstanding.
FIDDLEHEADS– Canadian fiddleheads continue from Quebec and British Columbia. Ontario is expected to start by the end of the month.
ASPARAGUS– Ontario asparagus season is here and availability is very good with outstanding quality. Pricing continues to ease as supplies increase. Now is the time to feature asparagus. The season will run until mid-July.
RAMPS (WILD LEEKS): The very short wild leek (Ramp) season continues. This week will most likely be the last. The season is very short. Once the trees leaf out and the forest floor goes dark, the leek leaves wither away. They offer a unique, pungent cross between garlic and onion. A wild leek takes 7 to 10 years to reach maturity from a seed. Packed in 1lb bags, pricing is the same as last year.
HOTHOUSE TOMATOES– The hothouse tomato market has started to slowly ease as production levels remain steady across growing regions. Demand is keeping the market elevated with little relief expected in the near term. The vine market began to show signs of downward pressure last week as production volumes started to improve. However, a sharp increase in demand through the latter half of the week quickly absorbed the additional supply, pushing the market back into a short position and keeping pricing elevated, heading into this week. Heirloom tomatoes continue to show strength in the market this week. Production levels remain consistent; however, demand continues to remain strong across all regions, supporting elevated pricing and maintaining a firm market.
HOTHOUSE SNACKING TOMATOES– The grape tomato market continues to show signs of weakness as production volumes continue to improve across multiple growing regions. Demand has normalized in recent weeks and is currently trailing available supply, resulting in continued downward pressure on the market. Medley tomatoes are also beginning to show weakness as production has increased significantly while demand remains at more typical seasonal levels. As supply continues to build, the market is expected to soften further.
Cherry tomato production continues to lag behind other snacking categories, while demand remains strong and supportive of elevated pricing. However, as pricing across other snacking tomato categories begins to decline, we expect some natural demand shift, which could create softer market conditions in the coming weeks. On-the-vine snacking varieties experienced significant production increases last week. Despite the added supply, demand continues to remain strong, keeping the market elevated for the time being. Cocktail tomato production continues to remain steady, with demand also holding consistent week over week. After several weeks of volatility and supply pressure, the market has begun to find more balance as production and demand move closer into alignment.
HOTHOUSE PEPPERS– Pepper demand continues to remain strong, with demand still outpacing production across the category. Red pepper production has increased significantly, heading into this week, while yellow and orange production is also expected to improve through the second half of the week. Despite the increase in supply, the market remains firm due to continued strong demand.
ENGLISH CUCUMBERS– English cucumber markets have moved into a weaker position heading into this week, with abundant supply expected to remain available over the coming weeks. Production continues to run at very strong levels, while demand has normalized and is currently well behind available supply, creating significant downward pressure on the market. Mini cucumbers are experiencing similar market conditions. Production remains strong with ample supply available, while demand has softened to more typical seasonal levels, resulting in continued market weakness and lower pricing pressure.
RHUBARB– Ontario rhubarb continues as field grown supplies now dominate the marketplace. Supplies are very good, with pricing inching down into June as we get into stronger production.
POTATO– Growers continue packing products out of storage. Supplies on reds are winding down. Yukon golds and chef large #1 continue to be available.
WAX TURNIP (RUTABEGA)- Rutabaga continues to ship out of storage with good supplies. Prices remain steady.
CARROT– The 2025 storage season is 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 June, with good quality.
MUSHROOMS– Supplies are good with no disruptions in supply expected.
CABBAGE– Growers continue packing green and red 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. Supplies are dwindling. Gold Delicious, MacIntosh, Honeycrisp, Empire, Spartan, Cortland, Red Delicious, Ambrosia and Fuji are all in very good supply. Royal Galas are done for the season. Honeycrisp will be the next variety to finish. Quality continues to be very good.
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.
MARKETS TO WATCH: AT A GLANCE
Clementine: Due to limited supply out of California and imports from Morocco ending, the import mandarin market is expected to be active until July when supply volume ramps up out of Chile and South Africa. Supplies are extremely limited. Supplies from Uruguay and Peru will be the first to hit markets in early June. Chilean imports are anticipated for June, followed by South Africa.
Avocado: Over the next six weeks, the avocado industry is expected to move into a pronounced demand-exceeds-supply environment as overall harvest volumes continue to decline. Mexico’s main crop season is entering its final seven weeks, and the number of active growers has declined significantly. Many growers are strategically slowing harvest activity in anticipation of stronger late-season pricing, which has caused field prices to escalate rapidly over the past two weeks as packers compete for tighter supplies. With reduced harvesting activity, industry inventories are expected to tighten faster than usual.
Cherries: Supplies will ship from various regions over the next three to four months. Expect elevated early-season prices as weather-related issues have diminished supplies and reduced upcoming crops in major growing areas.
Baby Green Kale: Baby kale supplies are tighter due to lower-than-expected yields and slower crop growth.
Mango: Industry demand has softened following Cinco de Mayo promotions, and overall pricing is currently stable.
Lemons: Prices for all California lemon sizes remain elevated due to low volume and strong demand. In early July, both offshore and Mexican lemons will supplement California supplies. Expect high markets and limited stocks through June.
Iceberg: Lettuce supplies have improved in both Salinas and Santa Maria; prices are falling as supplies rapidly increase. Value added triggers are expected to continue through this week before easing next week.
Romaine: Romaine is extremely limited; supplies are expected to remain scarce through mid-June. Green leaf supplies continue to be tight. Value added romaine items remain triggered. Romaine and romaine heart supplies are expected to remain tight over the next few weeks as demand continues to exceed availability.
Celery: The celery market remains firm and elevated, with availability described as light to fair and not strong enough to push pricing meaningfully lower. Value-added celery items continue to be triggered.
Broccoli: Although still higher than normal, broccoli prices continue to inch down. Value-added broccoli items continue to be triggered. Despite increased supplies, prices will remain elevated due to high freight costs
Grapes: South American grape supplies are expected to conclude by the end of May, while Mexican grapes have begun crossing through Nogales and should reach full production into June.
Field Green and Red Peppers: Bell pepper production is transitioning to new growing regions. Supply conditions are rapidly changing in Florida as the crop is done and the Georgia crop is getting underway. West Coast production is in transition from Coachella to Bakersfield. Markets are active once again.
Assorted Hot Chili Peppers: Supplies stable on most varieties: Decent numbers crossing from Mexico; Coachella and South Georgia are ramping up as well. Markets will be shortest this week on Red Fresnos and Poblanos. Red Fresnos will remain extremely limited for the next three to four weeks; limited plantings and poor quality have reduced yields dramatically.
Washington Apples: The storage crop is smaller than last year and therefore many varieties and packs are tighter than last year. As a result, we are seeing a rising market on many varieties, sizes, and packs, and this trend is expected to continue until the new crop starts in August. The most significant item that is down this year are Royal Gala apples. The latest storage report shows that inventory is down over 20% from last year. The other top varieties that are short this year are Honeycrisp, Red Delicious, Cosmic Crisp and Golden Delicious.
Cara Cara Oranges: Cara Cara oranges are still available but in limited quantities, with only light volume remaining.
Blood Oranges: Blood orange supplies continue to be very tight; most supplies are going to bagging programs.
Bananas: Banana supply will continue to be tight over the coming weeks due to increased global demand and declining tropical production, exacerbated by virus pressure, low yields, and rising costs.
Strawberries: Strawberry markets are expected to slightly improve over the next several weeks as California production continues to build. Production is currently underway in Salinas/Watsonville and Santa Maria, while Oxnard is nearly finished for the season. Abnormally cool weather conditions have continued to suppress yields, keeping overall supplies limited as the industry moves beyond the US Memorial Day demand.
California Navel Oranges: California Navel oranges are heavily skewed toward larger sizes, with 56ct and 72ct dominating while smaller sizes 113ct and 138ct remain very limited and expected to stay tight through the end of the season and into the Valencia transition.
Onions: The storage season for onions has ended in Oregon, Idaho and Washington. Fresh-run onions are available in Southern California and New Mexico.
Gold Pineapples:The pineapple market remains stable, though supplies will continue to be tight through the end of May, with contract business receiving priority. Larger sizes are expected to improve into June, while crownless pineapples remain limited. Minor port delays are possible due to the US Memorial Day holiday.
Limes: Lime markets are firm with lower Mexican yields, with smaller sizes peaking, larger fruit scarce until late June early July, with another price increase expected late June as Mexico takes over summer supply as offshore exits the market. Colombia and Peru are expected to exit by late May due to market conditions.
Eggplant: Mexican and California eggplant supplies remain limited, with only off-grade product available to ship out of Nogales and McAllen. Volume in the California desert remains light, continuing to support elevated pricing. Light supplies and high markets are expected for the next 10–14 days until Georgia production improves.
Brussels Sprouts: Quality concerns are rising as supplies tighten; pricing is expected to climb. Markets are mostly steady with slight price fluctuations as the Mexican season winds down.
Zucchini: Supplies remain limited in both East and West due to seasonal transitions. We are yet to see the much-anticipated volume from Georgia, as cooler and rainy weather has set growers back.
Supply and Quality General Update
As we approach June, the market remains active across several high-volume categories. Cooler west coast, coastal weather continues to limit strawberry harvest yields, while avocados and small lemons are facing tightening supply and rising costs. Vegetable markets are mixed, with some items improving and others still under pressure from disease and reduced yields.
Avocados are entering a volatile stretch as Mexico’s main crop moves into its final few weeks. Active grower participation has declined, and many growers are delaying harvests in anticipation of stronger late-season pricing. Field costs have climbed quickly over the past two weeks as packers compete for limited fruit. The Association of Avocado Exporting Producers and Packers of Mexico (APEAM) estimates roughly 330 million pounds remain in Michoacán, with about 250 million pounds expected to ship to the U.S and Canada. That equates to approximately 36 million pounds per week, well below current consumption of more than 60 million pounds weekly. California is increasing but only contributing around 13-15 million pounds per week. Expect costs to continue trending higher until Flor Loca and Peru begin adding volume in July. Flexibility on size and country of origin will be important.
Small lemons remain extremely tight. The 140ct and smaller market is elevated due to limited availability and steady demand, with tight supplies expected to continue through June. District One is winding down, while District Two is carrying the majority of California’s supply. The overall size profile is still dominated by 95ct through 115ct fruit, leaving 140ct through 200ct limited. Offshore lemons are expected to begin shipping, in volume, late June into early July, while Mexican crossings have started in a limited way and should increase over the next 3-4 weeks.
Row crop vegetable supply has improved overall, and temperate weather has helped keep quality strong. Lettuce and broccoli markets are easing, while romaine and green leaf remain active. Romaine continues to see pressure from Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) and high core (seeder), which are reducing yields. Green leaf supply is manageable with support from Mexico, but numbers are being watched closely. Broccoli and cauliflower have improved after a tough stretch, with better yields and quality. Celery remains tight, though Oxnard and Santa Maria supply is adequate for expected demand. Spinach, spring mix, and heritage and florentine items are in good shape, while arugula is still showing some residual yellowing and mildew pressure but generally remains within specification.
California stone fruit is underway. Peaches, nectarines, plums, and apricots are leading the pack. Early-season pricing should ease in June as size and volume improve. California cherries are finished for the season, with Washington starting in early June. Mexican grapes have started crossing through Nogales and should be in full production by June, while California’s Central Valley is expected to begin in mid-June.
Strawberry supplies remain very light as cool, inconsistent weather continues across the California growing regions. Growers are seeing one or two clear days followed by several days of overcast skies and colder temperatures, limiting harvest yields. A cooling trend is expected again into this week. Demand remains strong, open market options are limited, and shippers are focusing on contracts and previous commitments.
Overall, school demand winding down and regional deals starting in Quebec, New Jersey and Michigan over the next few weeks should help take some pressure off the market, but it may not be enough to fully offset the limited supplies.
Transportation Update
A US Department of Transport safety blitz two weeks ago has effectively changed the demand / supply balance by forcing non-compliant operators off the road.
Demand for trucks across the US has been significant, raising prices. Lingering effects of this event are expected to last for the long term.
The continuing 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 $7.45 per gallon; with some markets over $8.00 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– Lettuce supplies have improved in both Salinas and Santa Maria; prices are falling as supplies rapidly increase. Iceberg prices are forecast to be weak heading into June. Shippers are beginning to flex on volume orders, while value added triggers are expected to continue through this week before easing next week. Reported quality issues include slight pink ribbing and misshapen heads, with carton weights averaging 36–41 pounds. The Quebec season is expected to start with iceberg around June 14th. Expect active markets for the next 7 to 10, at minimum.
ROMAINE / LEAF– Romaine is extremely limited; supplies are expected to remain scarce through mid-June. Green leaf supplies continue to be tight. Value added romaine items remain triggered. Romaine and romaine heart supplies are expected to remain tight over the next few weeks as demand continues to exceed availability. Overall quality ranges from fair to good. Disease pressure, including Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) and Sclerotinia, is reducing harvestable yields; growers are reporting up to 30% die-off in some fields. Internal burn, mildew pressure, and seeder are also impacting yields. Green leaf and red leaf lettuce supplies are also limited, though availability is expected to be better than romaine. Mexican supplies, crossing into South Texas, continue year-round. Quality and yields are dropping as we move into the off peak season. Peak season for production and quality will resume in October, and run through April. Production of green leaf and romaine continues to ramp up from New Jersey. Quebec and Michigan production will ramp up in June and continue through October. Colorado harvests will start mid-July. The Quebec season is expected to start with green leaf June 7th and romaine June 10th.
SPRING MIX/BABY SPINACH/BABY ARUGULA/BABY KALE– Supplies continue out of Salinas. Tender leaf items such as spinach and arugula remain in good supply. There is some minor insect damage and discoloration are being reported. Baby Kale: Baby kale supplies are tighter due to lower-than-expected yields and slower crop growth. Arugula: Arugula quality is generally good as well, though some minor yellowing has been reported, typically limited to a few leaves per bag. Baby Spinach: Quality is good, but we continue to see occasional quality problems, including mildew and bruising. Spring Mix: Supplies and quality are okay.
CARROTS– West Coast carrot supplies remain tight as the Imperial Valley season winds down; overall size is smaller than normal for this time of year. Limited availability is expected into June as reduced size is lowering yields; commodity pack prices have increased as a result. California: The Imperial Valley carrot season is wrapping up, with Bakersfield spring production set to begin next week. Smaller sizing continues to limit supplies and support elevated markets for jumbos, sticks, peeled baby and chips. Weather delays earlier in the season extended desert production and slowed the transition. Field conditions and peeled yields are improving, with more consistent supplies expected through June. By July, volumes should return to more normal levels as Kern County production ramps up under better growing conditions. 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 in full swing and will run through mid-June; quality is great. Expect high prices and strong demand as this region helps fill the void from California. Mexico: Inconsistent production has been an issue. Expect moderately high pricing and strong demand until California production increases. Ontario / Québec: The storage season is finished. There still are supplies of heirloom carrots, which should continue until June. Reminder that the new crop will be very slim.
MUSHROOMS– Quality and supplies are very good with lighter demand. At this time, we do not see any supply issues.
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.
US CARTON BAKING POTATOES– Potatoes are available in Idaho and Washington. Prices are rising in multiple regions as storage crops wind down. We recommend ordering for quick turns and keeping inventory tight due to shorter shelf life. Idaho: Storage crop Norkotah and Burbank Potatoes are being shipped. Norkotah storage supplies are expected to be depleted by late June. Burbank volume is slowly ramping up; small sizes dominate the crop. The gradual shift from Norkotahs to Burbanks will result in fewer 40- through 80-count potatoes. Pressure and shoulder bruising are being reported in late-season storage supplies, but overall quality remains strong; these issues (soft, external indents) result from constant contact with adjacent potatoes or the floor while raw product sits in storage piles. Markets are rising. Washington: Storage crop Norkotah Potatoes are available. Remaining supplies are dominated by large sizes. Quality is very good. Markets are higher for larger sizes due to strong demand. Colorado & Wisconsin: All Colorado sizes are available with good mixer volume. Wisconsin yields are dominated by small, 90- to 120-count sizes. Quality is good. Prices are climbing in both regions.
CANADIAN POTATO– The Canadian potato industry held 12.2% more potatoes in storage on May 1 than the 2025 inventory. It is Canada’s largest May 1 potato inventory on record, and it exceeds the five-year average supply by 26.5%. Most of the extra potatoes are in Alberta. Stocks also exceed year-earlier holdings in Manitoba, Quebec, and British Columbia. May 1 stocks fell short of 2025 inventories in New Brunswick, PEI, and Ontario. Stocks intended for processing use are up 14.3% from last year. Table potato inventories are up 2.3%. Ontario: The province’s April potato disappearance exceeded 2025 movement by 30.6%. That left Ontario with 11.5% fewer potatoes in storage on May 1; than the previous year’s holdings. The stocks include fewer chip potatoes than the year-earlier inventory. At last month’s disappearance rate, Ontario’s remaining processing potatoes would last through July 4. The province’s April table potato disappearance nearly matched last year’s pace. That left fewer table potatoes in storage on May 1 than the year-earlier inventory. At the April usage rate, those potatoes would last through June 13. P.E.I.: Island growers had 3.1% fewer potatoes in storage on May 1 than they held a year ago. April disappearance fell 14.0%, short of the 2025 pace. This year’s April movement was the slowest since 1992, and it fell 19.0% below the five-year average. Intended use data show that the Island had 13.1% fewer processing potatoes in storage on May 1 than last year’s inventory. At the April usage rate, those potatoes would last through September 7. Growers also had 26.7% more table potatoes left in storage on May 1 than they held a year earlier. At the April shipping pace, PEI’s remaining table potatoes would last through September 6. Growers report that table potato exports to the US have been sluggish. New Brunswick: May 1 potato stocks fell 15.6% below the year-earlier inventory. Intended use data show that larger processing potato inventories were offset by reduced table potato and seed potato supplies. The province’s April processing potato disappearance fell by 10.4%, relative to last year’s pace. That left more processing potatoes in storage on May 1 than the province held a year earlier. At the April usage rate, the remaining processing inventory would last through August 28. New Brunswick growers had fewer table potatoes left in storage on May 1 than they held at the same time in 2025. April table potato disappearance was more than April 2025 movement. At last month’s shipping pace New Brunswick’s table potatoes would last through August 14. Quebec: April disappearance fell 13.0%, below the 2025 pace. That left Quebec with 5.5% more potatoes in storage on May 1 than year-earlier holdings. The province’s processing potato disappearance was less than last year’s usage. It is the province’s slowest April processing potato disappearance since 2015. That left Quebec with more processing potatoes in storage on May 1 than the province held a year earlier. At the slow April usage pace, the remaining processing potato inventory would last through September 25. We do not have the necessary data to make the split between French Fry and chip potato inventories. Quebec’s May 1 table potato stocks were 4.2% higher than the year-earlier inventory. April table potato disappearance exceeded 2025 movement. If the April usage rate continues, the province’s remaining table potato stocks would be cleaned up by July 13. British Columbia: The province had a record 85.1% more potatoes left in storage on May 1 than May 1, 2025 holdings. April table potato movement exceeded last year’s pace 32.6%. At the April disappearance rate, the province’s remaining table potatoes would last through June 23. Alberta: April potato disappearance was 53.2%, more than year-earlier movement. It left Alberta’s May 1 potato stocks higher than the province had in storage on May 1, 2025. It is by far the province’s largest May 1 potato inventory on record. Intended use data show that increased disappearance was across the board. Alberta’s April processing potato disappearance exceeded year-earlier usage by 53.0%. The processing sector had a record 38.3% more potatoes in storage on May 1 than last year’s inventory. At the April usage rate, Alberta’s remaining processing potatoes would last through September 12.
US NEW CROP RED / WHITE / YELLOW POTATO- Florida: Supplies remain limited as the harvesting transition from Southern to Northern Florida is underway. The Southern Florida season is expected to finish in mid-May. Northern Florida production has started with low volume; quality is very good. Pricing is elevated across all colors and sizes, but expected to stabilize as supplies increase. Upcoming Regions: The Arizona season will start next week. California production will begin in mid-May. Texas supplies will start shipping in late June.
ASPARAGUS– Ontario asparagus season is here and it is time to promote! Availability is strong as warmer weather promotes growth. In 25+ degree weather, asparagus can grow 10 inches in 24 hours ! Warm nights will bring on very strong volume as retail starts to promote aggressively. Pricing continues to inch down. Now is the time to feature asparagus. The season will run until mid-July. Import: Asparagus markets are easing as volume is climbing across multiple growing areas. Production is expanding across the Midwest and Northeast.
BEANS– Florida is done for the season, and we have transitioned to South Georgia. Mexico is still harvesting a few beans but will wrap up very soon. California supply is steady. Overall, quality is good.
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: The US Southeast has good supplies currently. Florida is finishing, with Georgia just beginning. Quality and sizing are good out of Georgia.
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. 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– Supplies stable on most varieties: Decent numbers crossing from Mexico; Coachella and South Georgia are ramping up as well. Markets will be shortest this week on Red Fresnos and Poblanos. Red Fresnos will remain extremely limited for the next three to four weeks; limited plantings and poor quality have reduced yields dramatically.
FIELD PEPPERS– Bell pepper production is transitioning to new growing regions. Supply conditions are rapidly changing in Florida as the crop is done and the Georgia crop is getting underway. West Coast production is in transition from Coachella to Bakersfield. Markets are active once again. Green Pepper: Eastern pepper supplies remain limited as production transitions from Florida into Georgia. Nogales has completed for the season, while the California Coachella Valley production winds down rapidly. The market is expected to experience a production gap as the industry transitions from the desert growing regions into Bakersfield. Supplies remain light, with shippers largely sold out through the week, and tighter availability is expected until Bakersfield volume begins to ramp up. Red Pepper: Red peppers from Mexico are done. The California desert season is expected to start sometime this week. Prices will remain elevated over the next two weeks due to a tight transition.
BROCCOLI– Although still higher than normal, broccoli prices continue to inch down. Value-added broccoli items continue to be triggered. Despite increased supplies, prices will remain elevated due to high freight costs. California: Broccoli supplies continue to improve, putting downward pressure on the overall market. Expect pricing to gradually ease further as the industry moves into the weekend. Mexico: Broccoli is also available from Mexico, but stocks are tightening slightly. Ideal weather should help supplies mature, increasing overall supplies. Quality ranges from fair to good. Diamondback moth pressure has diminished due to cooler temperatures. East Coast: East Coast production is underway in North and South Carolina. Indiana harvests will begin at the end of May, followed by the Ontario, Quebec and Maine seasons in July.
CELERY– The celery market remains firm and elevated, with availability described as light to fair and not strong enough to push pricing meaningfully lower. California: The market remains firm, with Southern California supplies running moderate to light and expected to stay tight through the rest of the week. Disease pressure and increased demand are contributing to the increased pricing. Large sizing will have the best availability. Overall quality is expected to remain fair. Value-added celery items continue to be triggered. The near‑term outlook calls for steady to firm conditions, with limited immediate relief anticipated. Quebec: The Quebec season is expected to start around July 10th. Michigan: The Michigan season will begin in early to mid-July.
CAULIFLOWER– Cauliflower supplies have improved significantly, with good availability and quality reported. The market is expected to remain steady through next week. Value added cauliflower triggers have been removed. Demand has eased while availability has greatly increased in Salinas and Santa Maria. East Coast growers are harvesting in Georgia and the Carolinas. Expect easing prices through next week.
SNOW PEAS / SUGAR SNAP PEAS– Supply conditions out of Guatemala remain unchanged for both snow peas and sugar snaps. Mexican snow pea supplies remain steady, while sugar snap availability continues to be limited.
FRENCH GREEN BEAN / BABY SQUASH / BABY PEELED TOP CARROTS– Supply of French beans out of Guatemala is good and continuing to improve. French bean availability out of Mexico remains fair. Overall supply conditions are expected to improve within the next 7–10 days.
EGGPLANT– Mexican and California eggplant supplies remain limited, with only off-grade product available to ship out of Nogales and McAllen. Volume in the California desert remains light, continuing to support elevated pricing. Light supplies and high markets are expected for the next 10–14 days until Georgia production improves. Promotions are not recommended due to limited availability. As supply increases, pricing should ease, positioning eggplant as a strong promotional item in 2–3 weeks.
ONIONS– Fresh-run onions are available in Southern California and New Mexico. Pacific Northwest: Red and white Washington onion storage supplies are finished; light supplies of storage yellow onions are available. Growers are now transferring onions from other growing regions to fill orders as needed. Expect higher prices on red onions; yellow onion prices are steady. Texas: The Texas fresh-run onion season has finished. California: Southern California is continuing its fresh-run onion harvest. Some growers expect to finish their Imperial Valley fresh-run onion season this week with others going through the first week of June. Northern California harvests will begin in a limited manner next week. Weather has improved following a cooler than normal spring; volume is better this week. Quality is good; fresh-run onions will exhibit higher moisture content, thinner skins, and overall shorter shelf life. We recommend ordering for quick turns. Expect steady prices over the next 7-10 day. New Mexico: New Mexico’s fresh run onion season has begun in a limited manner. Volume will increase over the next several weeks as more growers begin harvest. Growers report a good range of sizing with supplies peaking on jumbo sizes. Quality is good; fresh-run onions will exhibit higher moisture content, thinner skins, and overall shorter shelf life. We recommend ordering for quick turns. Initial prices are slightly higher compared to California. Georgia: Vidalia sweet onions are available; the season will run through early September. Red and yellow onions are now available; medium and jumbo sizes dominate the crop. Quality ranges from good to excellent. Prices are slightly higher compared to New Mexico and California fresh-run onions.
CORN– Steady supply out of South Florida and now, South Georgia. Georgia will have plenty of volume starting the middle of next week and continue through the beginning of July. In the west Coachella is done and Brentwood is ramping up. Quality is good.
GREEN ONIONS– Green onion supplies continue to be steady, keeping markets steady. Demand remains steady. Quality is good. Availability is expected to remain steady into next week.
BRUSSELS SPROUTS– Quality concerns are rising as supplies tighten; pricing is expected to climb. Markets are mostly steady with slight price fluctuations as the Mexican season winds down. High heat is reducing both quality and supply levels. Internal and external burn is causing leaf discolouration. Insect damage has been reported, further reducing overall pack-outs. Quality is declining, requiring closer grading and inspections. Looking ahead, California’s Central Coast season is slated to begin in early July. Expect markets to gradually increase until the Salinas season begins in July.
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– Zucchini supplies remain steady but somewhat limited as East Coast production transitions between growing regions. Recent rainfall has impacted Georgia production, while Florida volumes continue to decline. Baja and California districts are helping supplement supply, with overall availability expected to improve within the next 7–10 days.
FRUIT
PEARS– The pear market remains stable. Strong production of Forelle, Anjou, Bosc, and Red pears out of Oregon and Washington State, continues to meet strong demand. Bosc pears out of the Northwest will be available for another 2 weeks or so. They will be replaced by imports which are beginning to arrive in good quantities into East Coast ports now. Anjou and red pears are projected to be year-round this year and will be promotable through July. Bartletts have finished out of the Northwest and there are now new-crop imported Bartletts from Argentina that are available on the East Coast. Pricing and quality are both attractive on this variety and we expect them to remain promotable for the next several months. The California Bartlett pear season will start in early July. Overall, the pear category will be very promotable the next couple of months.
MANGO– Supplies are coming out of Mexico, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. The main varieties available are Tommy Atkins, Kent and Ataulfo (Honey). Industry demand has softened following Cinco de Mayo promotions, and overall pricing is currently stable. We are getting closer to the season finishing in Oaxaca. This region still has another two weeks or so depending on the weather. Peak sizing from this region is between 7 count & 8 count, followed by 9 count, Honey mangos from Chiapas are peaking on large sizes 12/14/16 counts. Michoacan’s volume continues to drive the volume, but this region expects lower availability starting next week. Fruit will be available, but costs are expected to go up as supply decreases. Peak sizing from this region is leaning heavy to 12 count, followed by 10 count. Honeys are peaking on large sizes, 12/14/16 counts. Early indicators of Mexico’s anticipated low volume period are beginning to show. Growers in Michoacán are seeing declining output as production transitions from the Tommy Atkins crop to Kents. The Kent variety has been particularly impacted by warmer than normal nighttime temperatures, resulting in volumes that are reported to be down as much as 60% in some regions. With lower volumes expected as the season progresses, promotional opportunities are expected to be extremely limited. As a result, the current market presents a timely opportunity for promotions before supply declines significantly.
BLUEBERRIES– Product is currently shipping from Central Mexico, California, and Georgia, with supplies remaining steady against moderate demand. The Pacific Northwest is expected to begin production in June, followed by Michigan and Ontario production ramping up in July.
BLACKBERRIES– Strong, steady supplies continue to be available out of Central Mexico and California’s Central Coast. Markets remain soft due to light demand, while overall quality has remained consistently good.
RASPBERRIES– Raspberry production remains steady out of Central Mexico and California, with markets continuing to soften due to stable supply and lighter demand. Supplies are expected to remain moderate into June as fruit from Central Mexico, California, and Baja is blended to support overall demand.
STRAWBERRIES– Strawberry markets are expected to slightly improve over the next several weeks as California production continues to build. Production is currently underway in Salinas/Watsonville and Santa Maria, while Oxnard is nearly finished for the season. Abnormally cool weather conditions have continued to suppress yields, keeping overall supplies limited as the industry moves beyond the US Memorial Day demand. Production in Salinas and Watsonville is expected to gradually increase in the coming weeks, while Santa Maria volumes begin to decline. Current forecasts indicate the cooler weather pattern is expected to continue into next week, which may further slow the pace of production growth. 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.
GRAPEFRUIT– 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 South Africa, Turkey, Morocco and Israel. Overall quality is good.
AVOCADO– Mexico: Mexican avocado supply is tightening rapidly as the season enters its final six weeks. Harvest volumes have dropped sharply, and grower participation has declined significantly in recent weeks. Many growers are slowing harvests or withholding fruit entirely as they anticipate continued market increases. Field prices have surged 30–40% in the last two weeks alone, as packers aggressively compete for limited supply of quality fruit. Additional risk is expected ahead as Mexico enters the rainy season, which could further disrupt harvest and logistics. Late-season Mexican fruit continues to show very high dry matter levels, resulting in shorter shelf life, darker external appearance, and faster movement through the supply chain. As harvest volumes continue to decline, the market is reacting more aggressively than we have seen in recent months. Current conditions point to continued supply volatility, tightening availability, and further price escalation over the next several weeks. Demand remains strong, and current supply is no longer sufficient to support recent elevated consumption levels. Market prices at the border are escalating quickly, with shortages developing across all sizes, especially 48ct and 60ct, where demand is highest. California: California production is ramping up in response to the tightening market, with weekly volume expected to exceed 15 million pounds. However, California production will not be enough to offset the supply gap from Mexico. High freight rates and a shortage of refrigerated carriers are creating additional pressure on availability and transit times. Offshore: Offshore supply remains minimal, as Colombia and the Dominican Republic represent only a small fraction of current U.S. supply. Any meaningful relief is not expected until Peru begins shipping in mid-June, and opportunities remain available for Peru programs this summer on large and jumbo fruit.
GRAPES– South American grape supplies are expected to conclude by the end of May, while Mexican grapes have begun crossing through Nogales and should reach full production into June. Mexican shippers are expected to aggressively move volume ahead of California’s Central Valley season, which begins in mid-June. Limited California grapes are currently available out of Coachella, though supplies remain heavily pre-committed and are not expected to significantly impact the market. Once production ramps up in Bakersfield and points north, the California grape season will be fully underway and is expected to carry through at least the end of October, and potentially beyond Thanksgiving.
CANTALOUPE– The Arizona-California desert season for cantaloupe melons is ramping up. Offshore product is wrapping up for the season out of Honduras and Guatemala. Central America: Many offshore programs ended last week. Sizing mix is more even; plenty of smaller sizes are available. Offshore markets will remain steady through the end of the month. Arizona-California Desert Region: The cantaloupe season is fully underway. Unseasonably warm weather in March and April pushed up the start of the season. Supplies are dominated by 9s and jumbo 9s, but 12s and 15s are also available. Quality is good with high sugar content. The ending of offshore shipments is expected to put slight upward pressure on melon markets.
HONEYDEW– The Arizona-California Desert season for honeydew melons is ramping up. Offshore honeydews are wrapping up for the season out of Guatemala and Honduras. Central America: Imports are winding down and will end in a week. Sizing is skewing larger (5-count). Quality is good, but scarring is occasionally present. Import honeydew markets will continue to be steady. Mexico: The Mexican season will start to wrap up in the next few weeks. Mexican honeydew markets will rise as supply gets tight. Arizona-California Desert Region: Honeydew production is gradually increasing out of the Desert Region. The season is starting early this year due to a warm winter/spring. Quality is great with firm texture and high sugar content. While all sizes are available, sizing is leaning toward 5-count. With imports and Mexican melons ending, markets will gradually increase through May.
ORANGES– California Navel oranges are heavily skewed toward larger sizes, with 56ct and 72ct dominating while smaller sizes 113ct and 138ct remain very limited and expected to stay tight through the end of the season and into the Valencia transition. California Navel: The California citrus market remains extremely tight, with supply constraints continuing to drive strong pricing across all categories. The Navel Crop is heavy on large fruit, with supplies peaking on 56/72/48 counts. Small sizes, 88/113/138 counts, remain tight and will continue to be limited throughout the season. General quality is reported to be good, but there is more choice fruit coming out of pack-outs. As quality is showing some pressure and supply winds down, growers with late-lane navels have started their harvests. These late season navels will help support supply through June. California Valencias: Some growers have started harvest due to the strong demand for small fruit. Much of this fruit is committed to programs. Overall sizing is expected to be large this season, similar to how the navel season started out. Small fruit, 113/138 counts will remain limited. Florida Juice Oranges: The Valencia season is finished with active harvests, with some growers offering storage fruit through most of May. Imports: The Spanish navel season continues with a good supply of top quality fruit. As we move through May, 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 due to increased global demand and declining tropical production, exacerbated by virus pressure, low yields, and rising costs. 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.
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– Cara Cara oranges are still available but in limited quantities, with only light volume remaining. Sizing is currently peaking on 56/72 counts with smaller sizes being used for retail bagging programs. Due to rain-related quality impacts, the season is ending early for most with some larger growers expected to have supply through most of May.
LIMES– Lime markets are firm with lower Mexican yields, with smaller sizes peaking, larger fruit scarce until late June early July, with another price increase expected late June as Mexico takes over summer supply as offshore exits the market. Colombia and Peru are expected to exit by late May due to market conditions.
POMEGRANATE– Supplies of offshore fruit continue to arrive from Peru with better consistency. 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– Prices for all California lemon sizes remain elevated due to low volume and strong demand. In early July, both offshore and Mexican lemons will supplement California supplies. Expect high markets and limited stocks through June. California: District One (San Joaquin Valley) is wrapping up, leaving District Two (Southern California) the only growing region in production. All lemons will remain limited until the offshore and Mexican seasons ramp up late June to early July. Growers will start holding orders to six-week averages, starting this week. Quality is good; especially strong on choice-grade fruit. Expect elevated markets and tight supplies through June. Offshore: Volume shipments will start in late June and run through early December. Size will be dominated by large lemons, 95ct through 140ct; smaller sizes will be available as well. Expect similar pricing compared to California and Mexican fruit due to better quality. Mexican: The season will begin in early July and will run through late November. Small fruit, 165ct through 235ct will dominate the crop, but larger sizes will be available. Pricing will be comparable to California fruit until volume rises.
CHERRIES– Supplies will ship from various regions over the next three to four months. Expect elevated early-season prices as weather-related issues have diminished supplies and reduced upcoming crops in major growing areas. California: The California cherry season is winding down, and a short supply gap is possible before Washington cherries begin in early June. Expect elevated markets to continue. Pacific Northwest: Heavy frost in late March will affect upcoming availability. This season typically begins in late May, but will be delayed until early June. Estimates indicate between 20%-70% crop loss depending on region. Prices will start high due to minimal supplies. The season will run through July. Ontario: In the Niagara region, cherry blossoms are in Stage 4/5. Peak bloom is predicted to occur between April 28 and May 4, 2026 depending on how close the trees are to the cooling effects of Lake Ontario and cold nights. The Niagara Region (Beamsville, Niagara on the Lake, Vineland) are usually the first to start, often seeing the first ripe sweet cherries around June 20–25. Southwestern Ontario (Norfolk, Elgin Counties) follows just a few days later, starting in early July. Eastern Ontario & Grey County often starts a week or two later, with harvest extending into early August. Typically the season has a very short window of about 7-10 days. Michigan: This season is expected to start the week of July 6. Cooler weather is being mitigated by watering fields and using fans to keep frost damage to a minimum. Markets will start off elevated but slowly decline as volume increases. The season will run through August.
GOLD PINEAPPLES– The pineapple market remains stable, though supplies will continue to be tight through the end of May, with contract business receiving priority. Larger sizes are expected to improve into June, while crownless pineapples remain limited. Minor port delays are possible due to the US Memorial Day holiday.
STONE FRUIT– California’s Central Valley stone fruit season is ramping up quickly, with peaches, plums, and nectarines all increasing in volume as stronger varieties continue coming online heading into June. First-of-the-season pricing is expected to ease in June as both size and volume improve.
MANDARIN / CLEMENTINE– Due to limited supply out of California, the import mandarin market is expected to be active until July when supply volume ramps up out of Chile and South Africa. Imports: Morocco: The last containers of Nadorcotts are available in the Northeast. Fruit has been reported to be acceptable quality with some soft fruit and skin defects. Availability is winding down, with some importers carrying fruit to mid-May. California: Mandarins are in the final stretch, with an estimated 7–10 days of supply remaining. Availability is declining quickly while demand remains elevated, continuing to push the market higher. Supplies are extremely limited. Southern Hemisphere: Supplies from Uruguay and Peru will be the first to hit markets in mid-May. Chilean imports are anticipated for June, followed by South Africa.
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 Quebec to supplement supplies; even so, supplies will run out by June 1st. 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: We are now in the heart of the storage crop season and the early stages of the import season. The storage crop is smaller than last year and therefore many varieties and packs are tighter than last year. As a result, we are seeing a rising market on many varieties, sizes, and packs, and this trend is expected to continue until the new crop starts in August. The most significant item that is down this year are Royal Gala apples. The latest storage report shows that inventory 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 Royal Gala availability and pricing to continue to be tight as there is no relief in sight. The other top varieties that are short this year are Honeycrisp, Red Delicious, Cosmic Crisp and Golden Delicious. Overall, we are left with a smaller crop than expected and rising prices. Import apples will give some relief as we begin to get steadily increasing supplies each 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.
WATERMELON– There are great good quality supplies out of Florida, with sharp pricing. We are starting Northern Florida at the end of the week. Georgia will start in 2 to 3 weeks. In the West, Northern Mexico is starting to wind down. Arizona and Southern California will start in the next couple of weeks. May and June will be a great time to continue to promote watermelons.
MATURE GREEN FIELD TOMATOES– Tomato prices are stable. Harvesting will start in Southern Georgia by the end of the week. South Carolina and the Florida Panhandle will begin production on June 1. California is expected to start the last week of June.
Rounds– East Coast: Florida volume will begin to decrease over the coming weeks as growers prepare for the next transition. We expect to be in South Georgia and South Carolina the first week of June. We should see continued consistency of supply and much better quality over the coming weeks. Mexico: Supply will remain firm on round tomatoes for another 10 to 14 days but should improve as newer blocks break on the Baja and Southern Mexico. Quality is outstanding on what is crossing this week.
Romas– East Coast: We will see volume decline over the coming weeks as growers prepare for the next transition. We expect to be in South Georgia and South Carolina the first week of June. We should see continued consistency of supply and much better quality on the horizon. Mexico: Improving supply and quality available out of Jalisco and Baja. We expect this trend to continue and get back on track to a stable market over the next 7 to 10 days.
Grape and Cherry– East Coast: Volume is improving on grape tomatoes while medley and cherries remain short. Mexico: Grape tomato supply will improve this week crossing through Nogales and McAllen. Grape Medley and Cherry tomatoes will remain very short. Quality on what is crossing is good.
WILD FORAGED PRODUCTS:
Wild Mushrooms
Morels: From Oregon and British Columbia. Prices are dropping. 5lb or 2.2lb baskets. Call for pricing.
Chanterelle: From Bulgaria. Season is picking up and there are decent, but still limited quantities. 6lb and 2.2lb baskets. Call for pricing.
Porcini (Cepes): From Oregon. Big crop. Best pricing now. Beautiful product. “A” grade and limited “B” grade available. Call for pricing.
Bluefoot Mushroom: Not available this week.
Cauliflower Mushrooms: From Asia. Good supplies. 2.2lb packs. Call for pricing.
Foraged Products
Wild Asparagus: From France. Sold by the 200gm bunch. Call for pricing.
Spruce Tips: From Oregon. 1lb. bags. Call for pricing.
Fresh Ramps: From West Virginia and Ontario. First of the season. 1lb and 5lb bags. Call for prices.
Fiddleheads: From British Columbia or Quebec. 5lb bags. Pricing lower. Call for prices.
White Asparagus: From Holland. 5kg cases. “AA” 16-20MM and “AAA’ 26-32MM sizing. Pricing steady. Call for prices.
Stinging Nettles: From British Columbia or Oregon. Pricing slightly lower. Packed in 1lb bags. Call for pricing.
Truffles
** NEW ** Winter Truffles (Tuber melanosporum) : Southern Hemisphere. From Chile or Australia. Harvest has begun. First arrivals early next week. Call for availability and pricing.
Summer Truffles (Tuber aestivum) $$ : From Italy. Good supplies. Call for more information.
