Freshspective
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | Issue 199
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 demand has eased, resulting in slower retail movement and improved availability. Mexico continues to maintain adequate supply from both Baja California and Guanajuato, while Peruvian volumes remain somewhat limited. August is traditionally a slower month for vegetable consumption, which may continue to ease demand over the coming weeks.
Bell Peppers
[email protected]Northeastern growing regions are beginning to increase production, with Canada expected to start harvesting in the coming days. Michigan is anticipated to begin by the middle of next week. As additional regions come online, supplies should improve and create promotional opportunities in the coming weeks.
Broccoli
[email protected]Broccoli supply remains balanced as production from California and Mexico continues to provide dependable volume for both domestic and export demand. Growing conditions have been favorable across key production regions, supporting good overall quality with strong color, texture, and sizing reported. Supply levels are sufficient to meet current demand, supporting stable conditions. Retailers and foodservice operators continue to have consistent access to both crown and bunched broccoli, making the commodity a reliable option for ongoing promotions. Over the next two weeks, supplies are expected to remain steady, with no significant disruptions anticipated unless weather conditions shift materially in California’s coastal growing regions.
Cabbage
Green cabbage supply in the Midwest is strong, as heat has accelerated growth. Due to this stretch of heat, some heat-related quality issues, such as loose heads, have been reported. Weather for the next 7 to 10 days is forecast to be warm and dry.
Celery
[email protected]Celery supplies have tightened modestly while demand remains steady across both retail and foodservice channels. California remains the primary production region, with Mexico providing supplemental volume to support overall availability. While supplies are adequate, growers continue to report variability in sizing and yields in certain districts, limiting the amount of excess product in the market. Quality remains generally good, but shippers are managing inventories closely as demand has strengthened during the summer season. Buyers should monitor availability closely, particularly for larger promotional programs, if supplies tighten further.
Cucumbers
[email protected]Supply continues to improve as Michigan begins harvesting new fields. Canada and New York are expected to see stronger production by the end of the week, supporting better overall availability.
Greens
[email protected]Greens are in full swing across the Midwest. Strong yields are meeting expectations, with overall great quality. Certain areas have seen some insect and heat pressure due to higher-than-average humidity.
Leaf Lettuce
[email protected]Leaf lettuce supplies remain strong as California’s coastal growing regions continue to hit production targets, with favorable weather supporting both yields and quality. Romaine, green leaf, and red leaf availability have improved over the past several weeks, allowing shippers to meet current retail and foodservice demand. Quality is generally good, with strong color, weight, and overall shelf life reported across most districts. As supply continues to outpace demand, availability supports promotional opportunities for retailers and foodservice operators. Looking ahead, production is expected to remain consistent through the next two weeks, with stable weather supporting ample availability.
Squash
[email protected]Availability remains strong across all regions, with no major supply concerns. Michigan production is increasing and should provide additional volume moving forward.
Sweet Corn
[email protected]
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Conventional Fruits
Apples
Storage crop and import seasons are nearing an end. The storage crop is smaller than last year, which has tightened availability across many varieties and packs. This trend is expected to continue until new-crop harvest begins in August. Gala apples remain the most significantly reduced item this year, with the latest storage report showing inventory down more than 20% compared to last year. Gala availability is expected to remain tight until mid-August, when stronger harvest volumes should begin. Honeycrisp, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Cosmic Crisp are also limited.
Overall, the crop is smaller than expected, but fruit remains available. Import apples are providing steady weekly supply and should help stabilize availability over the next couple of months. New crop will begin in a limited way in August, with expectations for a stronger fall crop.
Avocados
Avocado supply from Mexico through Texas represents about 60% of current availability, with the crop peaking on smaller sizes, including 60s, 70s, and 84s. The 48-count size is limited, while 32s, 36s, and 40s remain very limited. These conditions are expected to continue for the next few weeks as the new crop progresses. California is harvesting about 250 loads per week, with the balance coming from offshore supply, primarily Peru. Peruvian fruit is mostly 48-count and larger. Quality remains good across supply regions.
Bush Berries
[email protected]- Blueberries
Supplies remain steady. Production in the Pacific Northwest continues at consistent levels through the end of July and is expected to wind down during the first half of August. Small volumes of Peruvian blueberries are beginning to enter the market, with improved availability anticipated by mid- to late August.
- Raspberries
Production in California and Baja has increased, resulting in improved availability. Product is readily available for loading out of both California and Texas.
- Blackberries
Demand continues to outpace supply. California production has been slow to ramp up, with stronger volumes expected to become available within the next two weeks.
Cantaloupe
California’s Central Valley is yielding good cantaloupe volumes and quality this week. Larger sizes, including J6-count, J9-count, and 9-count, are the most abundant. Strong supply is expected in the coming weeks.
Citrus
Oranges
- California Navels: The season is winding down, with final floor counts remaining and limited availability. Most California navels are expected to finish by the end of July.
- California is now primarily shipping Valencias, with the crop peaking on larger sizes. Supplies of 113s and 138s remain limited.
- Import Navels: South African and Chilean navels are now available and loading in New Jersey. Volume is increasing weekly and is expected to continue building through late July. South Africa’s quality and arrivals remain strong.
- Import Caras: Chilean and South African Cara Caras are available in lighter volumes, with additional supply expected later this month. Chilean growers are reporting up to 10 days of rain across key citrus regions. Extended rainfall could impact harvest schedules, quality, and export volumes moving forward.
Lemons
- California Lemons: Loading is primarily from District 2, with demand remaining strong. District 2 fruit is peaking on 95s, 115s, and 140s Choice, while Fancy grade fruit remains limited and available only on a spot basis.
- Import Lemons: AChilean and Argentinian lemons are available in New Jersey. Quality has been good overall, with some expected greening on arrivals. Volumes have increased, providing more availability.
Grapefruit
- California Grapefruit: Star Ruby is loading from both District 1 and District 3, with excellent ruby color and strong eating quality. The crop continues to peak on larger sizes with good overall availability.
- Import Grapefruit: FSouth African and Peruvian grapefruit are available, with quality remaining strong and volumes expected to increase through late July and August.
Mandarins
- Import Mandarins: • Import mandarins are available from Chile, Peru, Uruguay, and South Africa, with a full run of sizes available in New Jersey. Volume continues to build. Peruvian fruit has experienced harvest delays due to warm weather slowing color development, though internal quality remains strong. Tango and Murcott arrivals are expected over the coming weeks. Chilean clementines are currently arriving, with Tango and Murcott harvests beginning; however, recent rainfall could create temporary supply disruptions and quality concerns by mid-August. South African growers are transitioning into Murcott varieties, with strong quality reported and volumes expected to increase steadily through August.
Grapes
Temperatures in California’s Central San Joaquin Valley are expected to stay above 100°F over the next 10 days, supporting fruit maturity and sugar development. Elevated humidity continues to require extra attention during harvest and packing, but growing conditions remain favorable. Retail promotions are increasing, which should help improve movement. As more proprietary varieties become available, demand is expected to strengthen through July and into August.
Honeydew
Honeydew harvest is increasing in California’s Central Valley this week, with great quality reported. Sizing is trending toward J5-count and 5-count. Some 6-count availability remains, with very limited 8-count availability.
Limes
Region: Veracruz, Mexico
- Weather Update:
Very hot and humid conditions are expected over the next two weeks, with maximum temperatures ranging from 88°F to 97°F and minimum temperatures between 73°F and 79°F. Periods of sunshine and variable cloud cover are expected, along with the possibility of scattered showers and thunderstorms, mainly during the afternoons and evenings. Intense heat and high humidity levels are forecast to persist throughout most of the period.
- Market Intel:
The market continues to change rapidly. Please contact the lime team for the latest availability details.
- Sizing Profile:
Peak sizes are 175, 150, and 200. Size distribution is 110 at 10%, 150 at 19%, 175 at 24%, 200 at 19%, 230 at 17%, and 250 at 11%.
- Quality:
Fruit may be susceptible to burn damage associated with manual handling, including oil spot, due to the combined effects of forecasted rainfall, elevated temperatures, and high dew point conditions. These factors increase the susceptibility of the fruit peel to physiological and mechanical damage during harvesting and post-harvest handling operations.
Mangos
Mangos are in week 30 and are available from Southern and Northern Sinaloa. Most sizes are available, but supply conditions differ between the two regions. Southern Sinaloa fruit has external and some internal quality issues as growers finish the Kent crop and transition to Keitt. Northern Sinaloa has been shipping Kents with good retail quality and is expected to continue shipping Kents for another week before transitioning to Keitts. This transition is expected toward the end of next week. The Mexican season is expected to finish earlier than previous seasons, and current volume supports continued promotional opportunities.
Papaya
Papaya supply is meeting demand in the U.S. market. Supply conditions are stable, with enough volume crossing to service demand. Yields and quality remain good, with balanced domestic and export activity. Slightly less volume is arriving into the U.S. market this week, but supply for the next two weeks is expected to remain sufficient, supported by good quality and favorable harvest conditions.
Inventories show less availability to offer. Most sizes are between 6s and 12s, with some surplus fruit. Quality is reported as good, with some speckling and lower color. Color is reported at 25% to 50%, with 12–14 Brix at the point of shipping. The ideal temperature for Imperial Papaya is 48°F to help avoid quality issues upon receiving.
Crop outlook: Conditions indicate enough supply for the next two weeks.
Fruit condition: Some speckling and scarring are present, with mostly clean skin.
Pears
Two pear regions are shipping this week. Old-crop Anjou and Red Anjou pears are shipping out of Washington and Oregon and should remain available until new-crop Anjou begins in early September. California is shipping new-crop Bartletts and red Bartletts this week, with availability expected for the next couple of months. Washington will begin new-crop Bartlett harvest in late August. The Bartlett crop looks slightly smaller than last year but remains a good crop to sell this summer and fall. California Bosc pears started last week and remain available until the Washington crop begins in early September. The Bosc crop also looks slightly smaller than last year but should provide a solid crop for fall sales.
Pineapple
Supply Meeting Demand in U.S. Market.
- Supply: Mexican supply has slowed dramatically, with very little volume crossing during the summer gap. Organic supply has been halted until early September. Supply is stable out of Costa Rica, with good volume expected during the first half of July. Some growers are reporting less availability on larger fruit. Tighter volume in Costa Rica is still expected after week 31. Supply conditions from Costa Rica are expected to remain stable for the next three weeks.
- Quality: Mexico is reporting low yields and lower Brix, with very limited availability. Costa Rica volume is stable, with good quality at packing and good-quality fruit being exported to the U.S. and EU.
- Market: Demand remains good, with similar surplus fruit being offered at U.S. shipping points by large grower-shippers.
- Forecast: Demand remains strong. Similar surplus fruit continues to be offered at U.S. shipping points by large grower-shippers.
Strawberries
Conventional and organic strawberry conditions continue to strengthen as seasonal growing district transitions progress. Growers remain challenged at the field level in meeting fresh-market quality standards. The transition to the fall crop is expected to begin in early to mid-August, with growers eager to move away from older acreage as new production comes online.California by District
- Santa Maria: Yields remain moderate as growers prepare for the seasonal transition into the fall crop.
- Salinas/Watsonville: Production is generally steady, with more consistent overall availability from the northern region.
Watermelon
Watermelon supplies are steady. Shipments from Tifton, Georgia, are expected to continue for another two to three weeks. North Carolina should start in the next week or two, and Indiana is expected to begin at the end of July. Texas is moving limited volume, while Arizona and California are active in the West. Wapato, Washington, is expected to start around mid-July. Mini watermelon volume also remains steady out of Georgia, California, and North Carolina.
Organic Fruits & Vegetables
Organic Apples
[email protected]Organic Gala, Honeycrisp, Cosmic Crisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady apples are shipping out of Washington State. Overall, the organic apple crop is mirroring the conventional crop on quality and size. Organic Gala and organic Honeycrisp remain the tightest varieties.
Availability has tightened across most varieties recently, and this trend is expected to continue over the next month. Supplies are expected through the summer on most varieties. Imports from Argentina and Chile are still arriving at eastern U.S. ports in a light way and should help stabilize availability over the next month.
Organic Citrus
[email protected]TThe California organic citrus market is undergoing its signature summer transition, with tight organic lemon supply alongside abundant organic Valencia orange volume. Warmer summer growing conditions across California’s Central Valley and coastal districts have accelerated fruit sizing, giving retailers excellent jumbo and large-sized options. Packers are also managing light heat-induced re-greening on late-season hanging fruit.
Organic Dry Vegetables
[email protected]The mid-summer organic dry vegetable market, including peppers, cucumbers, eggplant, and green beans, is navigating intense regional transitions that are causing severe localized shortages on both coasts. While cucumber and green bean volumes are improving, bell pepper, chili, and eggplant remain under severe supply pressure.
Organic Melons
[email protected]Good supplies of organic mini melons are expected through the end of September out of Patterson, California. August would be a strong month to promote organic minis.
Organic Onions
[email protected]The California organic onion market is in full swing. Supply is strong and quality is outstanding. The Pacific Northwest, including Washington and Oregon, is preparing to transition to its new-crop harvest by late July and early August. There is currently good supply of both medium and jumbo onions.
Organic Pears
[email protected]Low volumes of imported organic pears are currently shipping. Small volumes of organic Anjou and organic Bosc are arriving on the East Coast this week. New-crop organic Bartletts are expected to be available out of Washington State in mid-August.
Organic Potatoes
[email protected]California organic potato supply is anchored by fresh-harvested new crop, filling the summer gap until fall and winter supplies become available out of Washington, Colorado, and Wisconsin. Most current organic supply is coming out of Kern County, including Bakersfield, and the Cuyama Valley. Russets, reds, and yellows are the strongest varieties, while fingerling potatoes are also available.
Organic Squash
[email protected]The current organic squash market is highly active, with excellent regional supply for organic green squash, including zucchini, and tighter availability for organic yellow squash. Western supply is relying heavily on Central California, while eastern supply is coming out of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The current organic hard squash market remains relatively flat. Old-crop storage supply is largely depleted, and the new crop out of California is still about a month away. Demand remains light.
Organic Sweet Potatoes
[email protected]The organic sweet potato market is experiencing a stable and highly consistent period, driven by steady shipping out of core domestic growing hubs and strong placeholder volume as the industry awaits the upcoming late-summer and fall harvests. Because organic sweet potatoes have an exceptional storage life when properly cured, the market is avoiding the sharp mid-summer supply gaps seen in other dry vegetable categories. California Driving the West: Production remains robust out of California’s Central Valley. Shippers are successfully pulling high-quality cured organic sweet potatoes from storage to meet steady, consistent demand.
Transportation
REFRIGERATED TRUCKLOAD
East Coast United StatesRefrigerated conditions along the East Coast vary from north to south. Catch-up shipments after Roadcheck Week and Memorial Day have moderated, with most lanes settling back into more typical seasonal patterns.
Central United States
Refrigerated market conditions across the West have largely mirrored trends seen in the Central region, with significant tightening observed through Roadcheck Week and the Memorial Day shipping cycle. During this period, many lanes experienced meaningful rate acceleration, with increases of 40% or more in some high-demand corridors.
While capacity remains accessible, execution has become increasingly dependent on planning and lead time. Loads that are prebooked with adequate notice continue to secure more favorable pricing and consistent coverage. In contrast, same-day tenders and recovery freight are encountering both elevated costs and limited carrier availability, reflecting a market that remains highly reactive to short-term demand spikes.
- Northern California is expected to remain elevated due to sustained and diversified produce volumes, keeping outbound refrigerated demand strong.
- Nogales, Arizona, continues to ramp up with watermelon season, further tightening capacity across key Southwest lanes
- Washington is entering cherry season in early June, which is expected to introduce increased upward pressure on rates and longer dwell times as volumes build and facilities work through higher throughput.
GLOBAL UPDATES
OCEAN TRENDS - Global Ocean networks remain constrained, although conditions are gradually evolving. The ongoing security situation in the Red Sea and wider Middle East continues to influence carrier network decisions. While a limited number of carriers have resumed select Suez Canal transits, most Asia-Europe and many Asia-U.S. East Coast services continue to operate via the Cape of Good Hope due to persistent security risks and schedule reliability concerns. These diversions continue to add approximately 10-14 days of transit time and absorb effective vessel capacity.
Longer vessel rotations, elevated operating costs, and periodic blank sailings continue to restrict schedule flexibility despite generally balanced demand levels. Carriers remain disciplined in capacity management, which supports freight rates and contributing to periodic space constraints and shortened rate validity periods. Reefer demand remains strong, particularly from Latin America, and equipment repositioning challenges continue in several key reefer markets.
TARIFF IMPACTS - The U.S. tariff environment remains highly dynamic. Following the U.S. Supreme Court"s February 20, 2026 decision holding that IEEPA does not authorize tariffs, the Administration replaced the IEEPA-based tariff programs with a temporary Section 122 import surcharge. Effective February 24, 2026, a broad 10% Section 122 tariff was imposed on most imports, with exemptions available for certain goods, including qualifying USMCA-origin products and specified exempt categories. The temporary surcharge is scheduled to expire on July 24, 2026 unless modified, extended, or replaced. Existing Section 301 and Section 232 tariffs remain in effect, and additional trade actions under other statutory authorities remain under consideration.
DEMURRAGE/DETENTION CHARGES - Following the September 23, 2025 D.C. Circuit Court decision in World Shipping Council v. FMC, the Federal Maritime Commission removed 46 CFR 541.4 from its Demurrage and Detention Billing Requirements rule. All remaining requirements, including invoice content requirements, 30-day issuance deadlines, and dispute timelines, remain fully in effect.
REGULATORY & COMPLIANCE LANDSCAPE - FDA continues implementation activities related to FSMA 204 (Food Traceability Rule). The compliance deadline has been extended to July 20, 2028. Despite the extension, many retailers and foodservice organizations continue to require enhanced traceability capabilities ahead of the federal compliance date.
ISPM-15 WOOD PACKAGING PROTOCOLS (UPDATED 2026) - Effective January 1, 2026, USDA APHIS and CBP resumed full enforcement of the ISPM-15 hyphen requirement within the IPPC mark. Noncompliant wood packaging material may be subject to holds, re-export requirements, penalties, or other enforcement actions.
EMERGENCY BUNKER SURCHARGE - Emergency bunker and fuel surcharges remain in effect across many global container trade lanes as carriers manage fuel price volatility, geopolitical risks, and network disruptions. Several carriers have announced reductions during mid-2026, but surcharge levels remain subject to change based on fuel markets and developments affecting Red Sea transit routes.
or 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
Supply remains abundant. Retailers are running promotions to help growers move product, and air freight capacity remains strong out of both growing regions.