Weekly Market Update: Trends and Insights

As we move through February, shifting weather conditions and seasonal transitions are impacting fresh produce availability. From Western vegetables to strawberries and apples, here’s the latest on what’s happening in the market this week.

Western Veg: Steady Production Before the Transition

Yuma continues to produce strong volumes with stable crop conditions, providing a reliable supply of Western vegetables. However, this consistency won’t last forever—production is expected to decline in about eight weeks as the seasonal transition back to California begins. Growers are monitoring crop conditions closely to ensure a smooth changeover, but minor disruptions may occur as the shift takes place.

Strawberries: Post-Valentine’s Demand Shift Creates Opportunity

With Valentine’s Day behind us, strawberry demand has dropped, leading to increased availability. Florida is entering peak production for the next couple of weeks, offering a strong supply for retailers and food service operators. However, a gap is expected around the first week of March, so buyers should plan accordingly. Meanwhile, Central Mexico’s strawberry volume continues to climb and is expected to remain steady for the next two to three weeks, helping to support market needs during Florida’s upcoming gap.

Hot House Items: Weather Constraints Impact Availability

Colored bell peppers remain in tight supply as limited light and cooler temperatures slow the ripening process, leading to lower yields. This shortage is expected to persist in the near term. Mini cucumbers are also facing supply constraints, with limited availability projected to last at least another week before improvements are seen.

Apples & Pears: New Arrivals & Market Adjustments

Exciting news for apple lovers—Wild Twist apples have officially arrived! However, Honeycrisp apples remain in short supply, as packouts from Washington are down this season. Fortunately, Nova Scotian Honeycrisps are now available, though they are peaking at smaller sizes than usual. On the pear front, Washington Bartletts are nearing the end of their season, and imported varieties are expected to arrive soon to fill the gap.

As always, we’ll continue to monitor these trends and provide the latest updates to help you navigate the ever-changing produce market. Stay tuned for next week’s report!