MARKET ALERT
ForWeekendingApril10,2026
Produce markets are under significant pressure as Yuma winds down and Salinas transitions amid continued warm weather, quality challenges, and early pest and disease issues. Tomatoes, limes, peppers, broccoli, carrots, and several specialty and Asian vegetables are in critically tight supply, with deep prorates, quality concerns, and limited improvement expected for several weeks. Additional disruptions from Guatemala and prior Florida freezes are further constraining availability, while fruit markets remain mixed berries, citrus small sizes, bananas, pineapples, and limes are tight, offset by steadier supplies of grapes, melons, avocados, and strawberries. Ongoing heat and limited freight capacity, combined with high fuel costs, are expected to sustain upward pressure on quality, availability, and overall costs.
Tomatoes- The tomato market is in extreme condition, with Florida production remaining volatile through April due to inconsistent volumes and quality, though minor improvement may emerge by mid-to-late April. Mexican production has slowed from heat and disease pressure, leaving supply far short of demand and resulting in minimal open-market availability and sharply elevated border pricing.
Onions- Northwest storage onions are winding down, prompting a transition to new-crop Texas onions, which currently offer good volume, strong quality, and mostly steady pricing with potential upside if demand rises. California onion production is expected to begin in Brawley by mid-April, while elevated oil prices are driving freight rates higher and are expected to remain elevated in the near term.
Strawberries- Supplies are declining due to an ongoing California heatwave, causing quality challenges such as sunburn, softer fruit, reduced shelf life, and uneven ripening, particularly in Santa Maria, with additional volume losses in Watsonville and Salinas. Production is expected to recover in 4–5 weeks as temperatures moderate, but limited support is available since Central Mexico and Florida seasons have mostly ended
Bananas- Supply is expected to remain tight due to rising global demand, declining tropical production, virus pressure, and increasing costs, despite current supply and quality being acceptable. Maintaining consistent ordering patterns and proactively managing risks will be key to ensuring program stability over the coming year.
Pineapple- Supplies are expected to remain tight through April, with strong demand keeping prices stable. While quality and flavor remain good, flexibility on fruit sizing will be necessary to maintain supply continuity.
Limes- Ongoing rain in Mexico and Central America is delaying harvests and skewing lime supplies toward smaller sizes, leaving larger counts extremely tight and quality under moderate pressure. The lime market is expected to remain very tight through April, with continued upward price pressure likely through mid-May.
Green Beans- Florida’s green bean supply remains severely constrained due to earlier freeze damage, with Act of God declarations still in effect, while Mexico faces lighter output from cooler weather. Markets are expected to gradually improve by mid-April as Florida begins new plantings.
Brussel Sprouts- Supplies and overall quality have improved, though some insect pressure and internal browning persist. Availability is expected to continue improving as production transitions into new growing regions.
Broccoli Florets& Crowns- Quality remains generally good, but supplies are limited among some growers. Warmer weather in Yuma is expected to pressure both quality and availability, with ongoing issues including browning and pin rot.
Cucumbers- Cucumber demand continues to outpace supply as offshore volume winds down and Florida’s spring start is delayed, keeping the market very active. Mexico production is recovering from recent weather issues, but tight East Coast supplies are holding prices firm.
Bell Peppers- Green bell peppers are in extreme demand with very limited Florida supply and slowed Mexico production, keeping the market escalated through mid-April. Colored bells have also firmed up, especially reds, due to strong demand and limited crossings from Mexico.