Week 11 2025 Market update
Mexican Tariffs: Mexican and Canadian agricultural tariffs were postponed for a month after being in effect for two days last week. If the tariffs do take effect, we do not have any products coming from Canada however, Mexico is a different story. As always, the impact will be relative to the supply and demand curve as availability is always the key determinant of price in commodity markets and they will adjust accordingly to ensure proper velocity in the markets.
Bananas- The first four months of the year are always the lowest supply point for bananas. This year, several factors, including poor weather in South and Central America and a poor growing season, have led to extremely tight markets. We expect there to be ripening challenges for the next two months. We do not expect to short product, but in the effort to procure and supply fruit, we may not always have the perfect color.
Berries
Strawberries: Rain in Florida has created yield issues and rising markets. Quality is inconsistent and supply is getting tighter. The challenges in Florida will last through the harvest in about four weeks. In California, Santa Maria, Oxnard, and Mexico’s Baja region have begun harvest. This week, harvest has been hampered by steady rain and cool weather. The Salinas and Watsonville regions should begin production in April and harvest through September.
Blackberries and raspberries: Seeing improvement in supplies as the Baja California region of Mexico has begun harvest.
Blueberries: Blueberry markets have started climbing. Chile has experienced rain and heat affecting yields. Quality is falling off quickly from that region. We are shifting to MX products as markets allow. Florida has begun harvesting and we expect that region to ramp up in the next few weeks.
Citrus
Clementines: California harvest is in full swing supplies and quality are good.
Navel Oranges: California fruit is in stores, quality is good.
Lemons: Good supply and quality as we have transitioned to California.
Limes: Supplies are good but would be affected by tariffs.
Grapes: The industry has moved into the Chilean import deal, quality is good, and supplies are good.
Apples: New crop apples are available. This year’s crop is smaller than last year's. Honeycrisp volume is down 30% year over year.
Avocados: Tightening supplies, restricted harvests, and border challenges have caused the market to rise. Demand is strong.
Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Mini Watermelons Imports – Good supplies from Honduras and Guatemala, should last into Ma. Bin melons will begin in the next few weeks.
Hothouse- In April There is a potential that Mexican tariffs could increase the cost for the hothouse items.
Beefsteak Tomatoes – Good supply currently.
TOV – Excellent supply.
Colored Peppers – Supplies are good, we expect to see this continue into the spring.
Hydro Cukes– Good supplies and currently promotable.
Eastern Vegetables- We have passed through the harvest gaps created by last Fall’s hurricanes. Potential tariffs in April could cause slight increases in the market costs
Green beans: Excellent supply currently available.
Green Pepper: Excellent supply currently available.
Field-grown tomatoes: We have seen tomato supply increase the past week. Supplies are good.
Cucumbers, squash, corn, bell pepper, and eggplant – Good supplies all around.
Lettuces and Leafy Greens: Quality is excellent as we wrap up the winter growing deal in Yuma. Transition to the Huron and Salinas regions will begin in two weeks.
Mango- Good supplies out of Mexico and Peru. Will be affected by any Mexican tariffs.
Onions: We continue to see a rising market with extremely tight supplies of white onions. Yellow onions are in storage in the Northwest and will take us into March with an adequate supply.
Pears: Washington is wrapping up and we will move to imports in the next few weeks.
Potatoes: Russet harvest is complete. The smaller sizes are limited this season with an abundance of the 40-60cts available. Red and Gold harvests have begun in Florida and the markets are well supplied and promotable.
