Freshspective
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | Issue 186
Keep up with the most recent market trends in our Freshspective updates. Discover what's influencing conventional produce, organic options, temperature-controlled capacity, and floral so you can plan ahead and avoid disruption.
Conventional Vegetables
🌱 Asparagus Update
Valentine’s Day planning is underway! And what better pairing for a lovely, and healthy dinner than asparagus? We have both green and white asparagus available to support your programs, with strong volume projected through Easter. Now is the time to plan ahead and lock in opportunities.
🇵🇪 Peru
Peru continues to offer good volume from the north region, with field transitions in place to ensure availability through mid-February. After that, we expect a brief slowdown as we begin transitioning into our Mexico season out of Caborca.
🇲🇽 Mexico
Mexico has started ahead of schedule, with early fields coming out of Caborca and Mexicali. Larger volumes are expected to ramp up in February. From February through the end of April, we will have our exclusive Caborca program, fully packed under the Robinson Fresh label, making this an ideal time to secure volume in advance.
🇺🇸 Local Season: Michigan
We’re also beginning to plan for our local season, with our trusted partners in Michigan providing exceptional product from late May through July. This is a great opportunity to start early conversations around local programs and seasonal promotions.
Thanks to our strong grower partnerships, Robinson Fresh continues to offer consistent availability and premium quality. Whether you’re looking to load on the East or West Coasts, connect with your subject matter expert to plan ahead, secure volume, and lock in advance pricing to support all your business needs.
Bell Peppers
[email protected]Early assessments indicate that some areas of Florida experienced light frost damage. Fortunately, the impact appears minimal, and conditions could have been far worse. In contrast to the current squash shortage, Mexican pepper supply remains strong. Weather permitting, availability is expected to stay steady, with no major disruptions reported. Overall supply out of Mexico continues to look good.
Broccoli
[email protected]Broccoli volume is tightening up as regions experience cold winter weather. The Southeast volume is extremely limited as Georgia finishes, and Florida suffers from cooler temperatures. Mexico is also having strong fluctuations in temperature causing volumes to shift around.
Cabbage
Cabbage has just about wrapped up in Georgia. New crop from Florida is up and running. Supply is abundant with good quality. Look for deals!
Celery
[email protected]Supplies of celery continue to remain limited out west. The market is slightly lower in certain growing regions, but availability is improving daily. The overall acres planted in most growing regions is much less for this time frame which is just keeping pace with moderate demand. Mexico volume is in good shape overall with fair quality. Supplies from Mexico may slow down over the next few weeks with temperature swings causing some quality issues which will impact availability.
Cucumbers
[email protected]Cucumber supply continues to look strong, with steady availability across key regions. Honduran product is also arriving into South Florida, adding an additional layer of support to the market. Barring any unexpected weather or logistical disruptions, cucumbers are expected to remain in good abundance.
Greens
[email protected]The Southeast is experiencing cold weather, with overnight temperatures below freezing. The plants now have been tempered to adjust to these cold snaps. There is plenty of volume available, and quality is good. Harvesting and packing may be a little slow as we have to wait longer in the mornings for the temperatures to warm up. Come and get your greens!!
Leaf Lettuce
[email protected]Production blocks in Yuma have experienced disruption due to abnormal weather events for this time of year. Cold weather plant varieties have endured warm temperatures with rain, bringing an early increase in production as well as disease pressure at the field level. We will begin to see reduced industry volumes moving forward as yields naturally diminish after the recent flush. Supplies of lettuce out of Mexico and local Texas-grown product are in great shape. The only concern is potential upcoming freezing temperatures in Texas. Mexico, however, is looking great for volume and quality for the next couple of weeks.
Potatoes
[email protected]Markets remain unchanged as there are lots of high-quality potatoes coming out of storage from all regions. January is typically a slow month for potato consumption as people try to eat healthy to bring in the new year which leads them to lower-carbohydrate options. Shippers will be looking to promote potatoes for Potato Lover’s Month in February.
Squash
[email protected]Squash remains extremely active, with current quality showing approximately 15–20% scarring and scuffing. Yields in Mexico continue to trend lower, and we do not anticipate meaningful relief until early February. Many growers have already abandoned older fields, removing a significant portion of available supply from the market. Florida’s volume also remains limited due to cooler temperatures and reduced acreage from what is typically harvested during this period. Given these constraints, it’s best to avoid any promotions until we see more consistent volume returning from Mexico.
Sweet Corn
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Conventional Fruits
Apples
As we work our way through the beginning of a new year, we have a few less apples in storage than we expected a couple of months ago. The latest storage report is showing that inventories are lower on many varieties for this time of year than the same time last year. As a result, we are seeing a rising market on many varieties, sizes, and packs, and this trend is expected to continue for at least the next couple of months. The most significant item that is down this year are the Gala apples. The latest report shows the crop is down over 20% from last year. There are still plenty of Gala to get us through until imports but expect pricing to rise as we progress through the season. The other top variety that is short this season is the ever-popular Honeycrisp variety. The Honeycrisp crop was down over last year and has become ever tighter over the last month because of strong sales as well as low pack-outs. Overall, we are left with a smaller crop than expected and rising prices. We still have great quality and will have opportunities on select varieties to push and grow our sales in the coming months.
Avocados
Avocados continue with most of the supply coming from Mexico. All sizes are available with larger sizing more plentiful. Quality remains good. Offshore (Colombian) supply is beginning in a small way with mostly smaller sizing. February 8th Super Bowl promotions will begin soon.
Bush Berries
[email protected]
Blueberries
Mexico – Steady supplies are available loading out of Texas. Most incoming packs are 6-ounce packs, with some pints also available; larger pack sizes can be accommodated upon request. Supplies from Mexico are expected to remain steady over the next couple of weeks. Chile - Supplies are expected to be very limited due to abnormal heat in key growing regions, combined with a stronger push to ship containers to Asian and European markets. These factors may create supply gaps as we move into March. Peru - Availability is limited, with product loading out of California and the East Coast as the season comes to an end.
Mexico raspberry quality remains strong, with fruit displaying good firmness and uniform color. Sizing varies but is predominantly medium, which is typical for this time of year. There are occasional instances of broken fruit and some darker-colored berries; however, these remain firm and are not considered a significant concern. Overall pack appearance is solid, and quality is expected to stay consistent under the current favorable weather conditions. Baja fruit is available out of San Diego, with steady supplies expected this week, though volumes are anticipated to tighten as the month progresses.
Mexico blackberry quality continues to perform well overall. While there are occasional issues such as soft fruit and popped cells, these are minimal and do not significantly impact pack quality. Regression remains low, with fruit maintaining good firmness and color. With stable weather conditions forecast for the remainder of the month, quality is expected to remain consistent. However, a potential gap in organic blackberry availability is anticipated, possibly lasting through mid-March.
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupes are shipping from offshore, and quality has been good. Supplies are good and the market remains steady.
Citrus
Oranges
- California Navels: Prolonged rainfall earlier this month impacted sizing, with supplies now peaking on 56/48 counts. Small sizes, 113/138 counts, remain tight and will continue to be limited throughout the season. While heavy rains have subsided, dense fog continues to limit harvesting.
- California Cara Caras: Sizing is currently peaking on 72 count and is expected to trend larger as the season progresses. Early January rains have also contributed to size growth, further limiting availability of smaller fruit, 113/138 counts.
- Florida Juice Oranges: Limited availability of small California navels has pushed demand to Florida juice oranges. Hamlin oranges are currently heavier on smaller sizes, 125/138 counts, with limited availability of larger sizes. Valencias are starting with peak sizing on 100/125 counts. Quality of juice oranges is reported to be in good standing with no issues currently.
- Texas Juice Oranges: Juice oranges out of Texas are peaking on mid sizes with strong demand on small fruit. Limited volume on fancy fruit.
Lemons
- California Lemons: Harvest is active across Districts 1, 2, and 3. The lack of sustained cold weather earlier this month had delayed natural color development, though improvement is underway. Early January rains have impacted quality, resulting in increased choice-grade fruit. Sizing is peaking on 140/115/165 counts, with rainfall contributing to improved availability of larger sizes such as 95/75 counts.
Grapefruit
- Florida Grapefruit: Florida grapefruit is exhibiting excellent quality with strong internal characteristics. Supplies are steady, with good availability on all sizes.
- Texas Grapefruit: Texas grapefruit crop is producing good supplies. Available sizing varies by grower, but overall supply is meeting demand across all sizes.
- California Grapefruit: Ruby Reds and Star Rubies are currently being harvested. No quality concerns are being reported at this time.
Mandarins
- Import Moroccan Mandarins:Early-season Moroccan Clementines were limited this season due to quality issues and growers shifting to other markets. First arrivals of Nadorcotts are expected this week, with much of this fruit committed to contracts.
- Mandarins: Early January rains and prolonged fog have impacted quality, resulting in softer fruit and an estimated 10–15% fruit drop. Supplies were limited during the varietal transition and due to weather-related harvest delays. Conditions are beginning to improve as growers move into Page and Tango harvests, which are showing better quality than Clementines. However, mid- to late-season varieties, including Tangos and Murcotts, are projected to see reduced overall volume.
Grapes
South American exports totaled 3.6 million cartons in week 2, with Chile shipping significantly less fruit due to a projected 10% seasonal decline, keeping weekly volumes below last year’s peak levels. Despite this, the market remains balanced with stable pricing, supported by aligned supply and demand and upcoming retail promotions.
Honeydew
Honeydews have good supplies. We are shipping from Southern Mexico out of Nogales and the quality has been very good. Offshore is shipping east and west as well with good supplies.
Limes
Region: Veracruz, Mexico
Weather Update:
The weather for the coming week suggests some days of rain, precipitations of 50-70%. High humidity is anticipated, with temperatures fluctuating between 44°F and 72°F.
Market Intel:
The demand for limes has been steady.
Sizing Profile:
Peak sizes are 175/150/200; and size distribution is: 110-11%, 150-22%, 175-23%, 200-25%, 230-12%, and 250-7%.
Quality:
We are entering January with stable production levels and a slight reduction in volumes is already apparent. We are confident that January will continue to provide sufficient volume to support all our programs. The current crop allows us to see green, strong, and healthy fruit, and medium sizes of excellent quality. All our programs are progressing smoothly as planned, keeping us on track to meet this season’s deadlines and objectives.
Looking Ahead:
We will start February with a smaller harvest, concentrated on medium and large sizes of good quality. As every winter, we will see compacted volumes, although the January fruit is being kept in the orchards to ensure a good supply during the winter months. As every winter, a compacted harvest is forecast for mid-February and late February, providing us with small- to medium-sized fruit, ideal for meeting the requirements of our programs. Our strong partnerships and diverse harvest locations across the state will help us ensure both quality and operational stability.
Mangos
We are now on week 4 and production is expected to increase for several weeks. It is no longer cooler in the region and has made more orchards available for harvest. A strike interrupted supply week 3 in the growing regions of Tambo Grande and San Lorenzo that will affect arrivals week 5. This has been sorted out, and growers will begin harvesting and packing this week for week 6 arrivals.
Papaya
SUPPLY SOMEWHAT MEETING DEMAND FOR PAPAYA IN THE USA MARKET.
Supply conditions have tightened up slightly with less supply to service demand. There is less volume arriving this week versus last week with growers blaming cold weather for quality issues and the drop in yields. Internal market will keep the overall availability of fruit being exported tight to service the USA out of Mexico. Supply for at least the next two weeks for papaya production is expected to be lower with a reduction as the colder weather affects fruit sizing. Prices point higher in the U.S. market and should increase through January.
Inventories are showing less availability to offer.
Majority of sizes are between 6–12s with less surplus fruit.
Quality is reported as good with shorter shell life, stem issues, and lower color.
Color 25%- 50% / 12-14 brix at point of shipping. The ideal temperature for Imperial papaya is 48 degrees to avoid quality issues upon receiving.
Crop Outlook: Forecast has conditions for less supply for the next two weeks.
Market Intel: Just enough supply to service demand.
Pears
We are now shipping pears from Oregon and Washington State, where we are shipping new crop on Bartletts, red pears, Bosc, and Anjou pears. Overall, we have a fantastic pear crop and will have lots of fruit to promote at good prices all season. We anticipate that Bartlett pears will be available to ship this year until early February. The Bosc, red pears, and Anjou pears are projected to be year-round this year and will be promotable through the first quarter of 2026.
Pineapple
Supply Meeting Demand in U.S. Market.
- Growing Regions: MEXICO - Similar volume as the previous week crossed out of Mexico into the USA. Mexico’s internal markets remain competitive to the U.S. market but with a trend of USA market improving as we go deeper into January. Yields are relatively stable with more large fruit available versus small fruit overall. Transportation out of Mexico is stable with no issues reported. COSTA RICA - Supply is good and growers continue adjusting volume more toward the USA, assisted by higher market expectations. Good availability of fruit in the USA market with both 6s and 7s selling at similar prices week over week. Supply conditions are expected to remain stable at farms for the next three weeks. Market is slightly higher this week with good availability overall. Good quality fruit is being exported to both the USA and European Union.
- Quality: MEXICO - Fruit quality is good with some availability. COSTA RICA - Volume and quality are good at packing. COLOMBIA - Volume and quality are good at packing.
- Forecast: Some surplus fruit is being offered at USA shipping points by large grower/shippers at this time. Market is stable versus last week.
Strawberries
Strawberry Availability
- California: Santa Maria and Oxnard growers are just starting to get back into their fields this week and will have limited availability. Dry weather is being forecast for the next couple of weeks which should increase production. Quality is good, but the fruit is still showing some signs of bruising, decay, and white shoulders.
- Central Mexico: Limited supplies, with many shippers sold out for the beginning of the week. Some growers are reporting shortages due to weather.
- Baja: Rain in the past week and shortages due to inconsistent truck crossings have limited available volume. Quality has been just fair due to some rain damage, and shippers are requesting the product stay close.
- Florida: Limited supplies due to cold weather.
- Santa Maria, California - The week of 1/19 is forecast Wednesday through Friday to be mostly cloudy, becoming sunny for the weekend. Highs in the 60s, and lows in the 40s. The week of 1/26 is forecast for Monday through Thursday for sun through high clouds, Friday and Saturday sunny, and Sunday to have periods of sun and clouds. Highs in the 60s to low 70s, and lows in the 40s.
- Oxnard, California - The week of 1/19 is forecast on Wednesday through Friday to be partly sunny and then becoming sunny for the weekend. Highs in the 60s, and lows in the upper 40s to the low 50s. The week of 1/26 is forecast on Monday through Wednesday to be sunny through high clouds, Thursday mostly cloudy, Friday and Saturday sunny skies, and Sunday mostly sunny. Highs in the 60s and lows in the upper 40s to low 50s.
- Zamora, Michoacan: The week of 1/19 is forecast on Wednesday through Friday for hazy skies and then clouds and sunshine for the weekend. Highs on Wednesday in the 70s, increasing to the low 80s for the balance of the week and lows in the 40s. The week of 1/26 is forecast for hazy sun on Monday, Tuesday mostly sunny, and then becoming sunny for the balance of the week. Highs in the 80s and lows in the 40s.
Watermelon
Watermelon supplies have tightened up and there are limited supplies coming from offshore and Southern Mexico. The quality has been good, but we are seeing lower brix due to the shorter days with less sunlight which is normal for this time of year. Supplies will pick up again in March when Northern Mexico and Florida start.
Organic Fruits & Vegetables
Organic Apples
[email protected]We are now shipping new-crop organic Gala, Honeycrisp, Cosmic Crisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady apples. Overall, the organic apple crop is mirroring the conventional crop on both quality and size. The most promotable varieties this season look to be the organic Fuji and the organic Pink Lady.Recently, the markets have been tightening on most varieties, and prices have been increasing as a result. I expect this trend to continue over the next couple of months. We expect to have supplies into the summer on most varieties this season.
Organic Citrus
[email protected]The rain has stopped for now so we should start to see better supply of organic citrus. There have been some very foggy mornings that keep the harvesting from getting started early so there is that causing a little tighter supply. We are seeing the size profile get bigger now from the rain. Market remains tight on oranges, lemons, and grapefruit. Expect to see higher prices on 113 and 138 counts.
Organic Dry Vegetables
[email protected]Organic dry vegetables are in full swing now. There is plenty available across the country, local deals, California supply, and now Mexico is full steam ahead. Plenty of cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, eggplant, and many other items. The market has been fluctuating daily as some supply dries up and some gets flooded. Best to book orders in advance to assure supply.
Organic Onions
[email protected]There is very good supply currently on organic onions. Washington, California, and other regional supply are in full swing. The red market is continuing to hold up in pricing as supply is good but not over-supplied. Yellow onions are over-supplied, and the market is depressed. Yellow onions would be ideal for promotions right now. White onions are steady on pricing and supply. No real change in the market; but as we get into January and February, we will start to see supplies tighten and markets should react.
Organic Pears
[email protected]We have a good organic pear crop out of the Northwest this year and are currently shipping organic Bosc and organic Anjou pears. The overall crop on all pears looks very good this year and we will have lots of fruit to promote for the first quarter of 2026.
Organic Potatoes
[email protected]Supply Regions: Organic potatoes are currently shipping from Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Wisconsin.
Availability: There is plenty of supply across all varieties (russet, red, yellow, fingerling, etc.). No expected interruptions until March or April 2026.
Quality: Outstanding quality reported. All potatoes have gone through their sweat process and are now stored for winter, ensuring stability and shelf life.
Organic Squash
[email protected]Our hard squash program has been very successful this season, and we are now down to only butternut, for which we should have supply for another 6 weeks or so. There is plenty of other hard squash available now out of Nogales and multiple varieties available. Markets are steady right now.
Organic Sweet Potatoes
[email protected]Now that we are in the new year, the sweet potato market should start to change a little. Shippers will check all their inventory for the rest of the season and will adjust the market accordingly to their supply of each variety and sizing. The quality of what is left is still outstanding and should hold in storage for the next few months. If you are looking for a promotional item, sweet potatoes would be a great one!
Transportation
Refrigerated Truckload
East Coast United States
The refrigerated market out of the Southeast remains soft to start the new year, which is consistent with post-holiday seasonal trends. Truck capacity is generally available across the region, including for same-day shipments. Produce volumes out of Florida and Southern Georgia are beginning their gradual winter ramp-up but remain well below peak spring levels. While activity will continue to build steadily over the coming weeks, no major market disruption is expected in the near term.
Out of the Northeast, conditions have normalized following the holiday surge, though certain long-haul lanes—particularly freight moving west—continue to experience pockets of tightness. Spot opportunities remain available but at more stable levels compared to late Q4. Seasonal imports and residual winter produce are moving through ports in New Jersey, keeping load-to-truck ratios slightly elevated in select lanes. Overall volumes are expected to remain steady through the remainder of winter before picking up again heading into early spring.
Central United States
The Upper Midwest is experiencing relatively balanced conditions to begin the year, with occasional pockets of tightness on southbound lanes into the Southeast due to limited backhaul opportunities. Rates have moderated compared to year-end levels but remain slightly elevated on select lanes. Central states such as Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri continue to show available capacity, though expedited and same-day freight can still drive higher costs as networks remain lean post-holidays.
Outbound Texas remains loose overall, with ample capacity and competitive rates across most lanes. Seasonal tightening may develop in South Texas and near border crossings as produce volumes gradually increase, though any tightening is expected to be incremental rather than abrupt.
West Coast United States
The West Coast market has entered its typical winter pattern as fall harvests conclude and production transitions continue:
• Strawberries are transitioning from California into Texas and Florida.
• Mixed vegetable production has shifted from Salinas, California, to Yuma, Arizona.
• Outbound Nogales, Arizona continues to ramp up with winter produce, which may cause brief periods of tightening before capacity adjusts.
• Outbound Washington and Idaho remain active with apples and potatoes, with steady movement expected through the winter months.
The Pacific Northwest is expected to experience intermittent capacity tightness and elevated rates through mid-winter. In California, capacity typically tightens around major shipping weeks but remains generally balanced outside of short-term surges.
Additionally, California continues to face increased scrutiny around CDL issuance and renewal for non-domiciled drivers. While this remains an area to monitor for potential longer-term impacts, capacity across the state is currently stable and largely unaffected.
GLOBAL UPDATES
OCEAN TRENDS - On the West Coast, weather disruptions in Chile and cut-and-run port operations are testing schedule integrity. Several carriers have paused bookings for up to four weeks on certain routes to Mexico and North America. Meanwhile, Peru and Chile’s peak fruit export season is tightening capacity further, intensifying competition for vessel space. Expect continued rate volatility even as baseline rates trend downward and anticipate longer transit times and increased importance of early booking for Chile/Peru fruit programs during Q1.
TARIFF IMPACTS - The fresh produce trade between South America and the United States remains central to ensuring year-round availability of fruits and vegetables for American consumers, with countries like Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Argentina supplying key items such as grapes, berries, citrus, and avocados. Earlier in 2025, the U.S. Reciprocal Tariff Policy imposed new costs on imports, with most South American nations facing a 10% tariff, Ecuador a 15% rate, and Brazil a steep 50%. These measures raised import costs and fueled concerns about higher consumer prices and disrupted supply chains.
However, as of November 13, 2025, reciprocal tariffs on fresh produce have been removed, restoring more favorable trade conditions. The rollback is expected to ease pressure on exporters and stabilize grocery prices for U.S. consumers. It also reduces uncertainty in trade negotiations, encouraging South American suppliers to maintain strong ties with the U.S. market rather than diverting shipments to alternatives like the European Union. Given America’s reliance on imported produce—over 50% of fresh fruit and 31% of fresh vegetables, the policy reversal could help secure supply chains, moderate costs, and reinforce the long-term resilience of cross-hemisphere trade.
DEMURRAGE/DETENTION CHARGES - Shippers negotiating with ocean carriers or freight forwarders on perishable cargo contracts should request as much free time at destination as possible to reduce the risk of detention/demurrage charges when inspections/fumigations or drayage capacity constraints delay cargo delivery at destination. Unavoidable and unprecedented demurrage and detention charges due to delays in turning cargo at destination continue into 2026. In 2025, U.S. ports experienced fluctuating performance in fresh produce cargo release, driven by shifting trade policies, labor disruptions, and infrastructure constraints. While overall import volumes remain strong, timely cargo release has become increasingly unpredictable, especially at high-volume ports like Los Angeles, Long Beach, and New York/New Jersey. Importers are reporting heightened exposure to demurrage and detention fees, often triggered by port congestion, chassis shortages, and delays in customs clearance. These charges—ranging from $270 to over $625 per container per day depending on equipment type and location—are compounded by limited free-time windows and inconsistent billing practices across carriers and terminals.
For more global freight insights, please visit Global Freight Markets Insights | C.H. Robinson (https://www.chrobinson.com/en-us/resources/insights-and-advisories/global-forwarding-insights/)
Floral
Floral is in full Valentine’s Day mode. Product is currently shipping from both growing regions, Colombia and Ecuador. Air freight and supply are running at a premium. Floral importers are very busy in Miami wet packing product and doing the finishing touched to ship to retailers. Valentine’s Day shipping should run until about February 10th.