MARKET UPDATE 06.19.26

Good afternoon,

STRAWBERRIES struggle as a warming trend hangs over California. Supplies are on the rise thanks to warmer conditions however the fruit is also lacking firmness. Even though export packs arrive with light color, the occasional fruit is going to show some quality issues, especially once the cold chain is broken and the fruit is exposed to any heat.

RASPBERRIES are experiencing some of the same issues coming out of Mexico. Arrivals this week were simply too ripe to export and we expect heat related challenges for the next few weeks.

BROCCOLI and CAULIFLOWER supplies remain strong. The hot weather is pushing supplies forward and there is plenty of product for sale!

The VALENCIA ORANGE crop is starting up and the fruit is looking large. Smaller fruit will be scarce for the season, specifically 113-138 and smaller. Growers and shippers will make an effort to push contract business towards more readily available sizes like 88ct fruit but expect scarcity on smaller oranges this upcoming season.

Mexican GRAPES are nearly finished as Central California fruit begins. Pricing is slightly higher as the market balances the end of one growing region and the start of another. Look for pricing to come off in a few weeks once California production gathers some momentum.

LETTUCE and ROMAINE prices remain extremely high out of California. Quality issues and disease pressure remain present for next week but relief is expected in the near future. CANADIAN supplies are getting going, providing another possible avenue for lettuce markets to recover.

More as it happens,

Parker Tannehill