Freshspective

Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | Issue 171

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 . Bell Peppers . Broccoli . Cabbage . Celery . Cucumbers . Greens . Leaf Lettuce . Potatoes . Squash . Sweet Corn

 

Asparagus

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Local Season in Motion & Peru Steady!

Our local asparagus season is officially underway with product rolling in from Michigan! While volume is reduced due to recent low temperatures, the quality is outstanding, and we’re expecting steady availability through the end of June.

We’re also receiving additional supply from our Canadian grower, giving us great regional flexibility and freight advantages for key customers.

Peru continues to be a strong anchor in our program, with product arriving regularly from both Ica and Trujillo. Our farms are performing steadily, and we expect non-stop availability through February, at which point we’ll transition to our Caborca, Mexico production.

This consistent supply gives us the ability to fill programs, support promotions, and build long-term strategies that work for every market.

Let’s Talk Programs & Volume Pulls

Want to lock in volume ahead of time? Looking to create a custom program?

Let’s talk! Whether it’s local, Canadian, or Peruvian supply—we're here to make it happen and help you win.

 

 

Bell Peppers

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Weather did hold us back from the weekend, but we are back on schedule for now.  We are expecting showers all week, so keeping an eye on production. South Carolina will get started this week in a small way, but definitely great news to see another region getting started.  

 

Broccoli

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The Georgia growing areas have finished on broccoli for the season. California is still producing, and North Carolina has product also.  

 

Cabbage

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Cabbage has is in good supply and there is good quality out of North Carolina. Illinois is getting started this week, with Michigan about 10 days away. Georgia has ended for the season. 

 

Celery supplies are steady with good quality and promotable volume available in Oxnard. The weather forecast calls for average temperatures with no rain expected in the growing regions. Please reach out to your Robinson Fresh representative for updates and information regarding availability and promotions.

 

Cucumbers

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Good demand across the board has led to markets going up.  As Georgia is on the tail end of their season, we expect markets to remain active.   North Carolina is just barely getting started, so expect cukes to remain active until we see other regions with product.     

 

Greens

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Greens have finished in Georgia for the season. North Carolina is working and a good option for customers close by. North Carolina has both good availability and quality. Moving further north, many regions have started or will be starting in the next 7-10 days. Those regions include Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, and Wisconsin. Weather in the north has been cool and rainy, which has slowed growth. Quality remains good. All varieties are available. 

 

Leaf Lettuce

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Iceberg lettuce, romaine, red and green leaf supplies are steady with quality reports showing great overall quality and weights. The weather forecast calls for cooler temperatures and overcast conditions early this week. The primary shipping points are Salinas and Santa Maria with some availability in Oxnard. Please reach out to your Robinson Fresh representative for more details.

 

Potatoes

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Florida will continue with reds and yellows through June as long as the weather cooperates. Demand has been sporadic, and some shippers are looking to move out product while others are nearly sold out. Idaho has good supplies of russets in storage. Quality is holding up so far, but we are getting toward the time of year when quality issues could pop up.


Squash

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The last set of new fields is being harvested in Georgia as the season is quickly coming to an end.  Overall, markets are rising and, weather permitting, we will harvest for another 2 weeks.    Local season is here, and there is availability from the Carolinas, New Jersey, Virginia, and Maryland. 

Sweet Corn

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Plenty of corn in all growing areas as we move into the busiest corn holiday of the summer. Quality is excellent out of California, Mexico, and Georgia. 

 

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Insights to Action

Get the latest insights in retail activations and commodity trends!

Conventional Fruits

Apples . Avocados . Bush Berries . Cantaloupe . Citrus . Grapes . Honeydew . Limes . Mangos . Papaya . Pears . Pineapple . Strawberries . Watermelon

Apples

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We are currently shipping apples out of storage from Washington State and from imports arriving on the East Coast. We have good supplies on most varieties this week. Promotability is still good on several items for the month of June. With that said, there are a couple tight varieties as we enter the summer months. All Honeycrisp packs, sizes, and grades are tight and continue to increase in price. We expect this trend to continue until the new domestic crop starts back up mid-August. Other items that are firming up are the premium Gala size 80 and larger, Cosmic Crisp, as well as the premium Fuji size 72 and larger. Some varieties to push that are promotable for the next month include Pink Lady, Red Delicious, and Fuji. Overall, we still have a large crop of apples to sell and expect to see attractive pricing on most varieties into early summer this year.


Avocados

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Mexico, California, Peru, and Colombia are the main supply areas. A little more than half of the volume is from Mexico. Supplies are good overall with some tightness in 84s from Mexico. Market should be steady as we move through the week and quality remains good with excellent eating out of Mexico and California.

 

Bush Berries

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Blueberries

  • Georgia: Thundershowers in the forecast this week; reports of small berry sizing, and low quality. Shipments should stay local, with an overlap of the Legacy and the Premier varieties. Volume will phase out by late June.
  • North Carolina: Volume is steady, but not excessive. With Georgia volume declining, we should see better movement out of North Carolina. Small gap with early varieties ending and Legacy not quite starting yet.
  • New Jersey: Looking like June 18th start with a normal crop.
  • Pacific Northwest: Projecting week of June 22nd start, as cooler weather slowed down early expectations.
  • Organic: Currently harvesting in Georgia and North Carolina with good volumes.

Raspberries

Harvesting in Santa Maria this week, steady volumes in Mexico.

  • Mexico: Steady volumes out of Mexico as the season stretches on. Rain in forecast.
  • Santa Maria: Scrapping this week. Should see pallet volume.

Blackberries

Florida & Georgia both harvesting good volumes, with quality fruit still coming out of Mexico.

  • Florida: Peak week with good volume and weather.
  • Georgia: Rain but should see production increase.  Should be at the start of our peak.
  • Mexico: Winding down as growers began to prune due to water restrictions and heat. Overall fruit that is coming out of Mexico is very good.
     

 

Cantaloupe

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Growers out of Brawley are past their peak in volume and most growers in Yuma are hitting their peak now. Growers are going through their crop quicker this year due to heat and the earlier start they had in May. Sizing is primarily Jumbo 9 count and 9 count with less 12 count. Supply will be lighter the very last week of June, and the Central Valley of California will begin harvest at the beginning of July. 

 

Citrus

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Oranges:

  • California Navels:The season is nearing its end, with supplies expected to end by the end of June. Smaller sizes (113- and 138-counts) are particularly limited, and prices are rising as supplies tighten. Quality remains good, with sugar levels ranging from 12 to 13 brix. 
  • California Valencias: Valencia availability has pulled ahead of navels for availability, but overall volume is projected to be down this season. Larger sizes (56- and 88-counts) are scarce, while smaller sizes are more abundant. Overall quality is good with some re-greening due to hotter temperatures. This is a natural reaction where the fruit produces more chlorophyl to protect it from the heat, causing the green exterior. Sugar levels are high, ranging from 12 to 14 brix.
  • Florida Valencias: The season is concluding, with supplies dominated by 80- to 100-count sizes. Quality is average, and growers are contending with regreening issues. Expect elevated prices and limited stock as the season wraps up.
  • Import Navels: Navel supplies out of Chile are anticipated to be down this season. South African navel supply should be comparable to last year. Overall, imports may be active this summer with uncertainties in the global trade markets. First arrivals are anticipated for late June, with more availability picking up after the first week of July.

Lemons:

  • California: District 1 is winding down; we are seeing more choice fruit than fancy. District 2 fruit is also more limited on fancy and large fruit. The overall market is trending up as supplies become less available. 
  • Imports: Argentinian imports are available with primarily larger fruit (95/115 counts). Chilean product should follow with first arrivals in late June, with more mid- to smaller sizing.

Grapefruit:

  • California: The season is in full swing, with fruit exhibiting deep red color and sweet, tangy flavor. Availability is good across a range of sizes, varying by grower. Star Ruby and Flames varieties will be available through July.
  • Imports: Chilean and South African imports are slated for late June or early July in a small way.

Mandarins:

  • California: The season is winding down, with availability expected through mid-June. As temperatures rise, puffiness is becoming more common, particularly in larger sizes. 
  • Imports: Early-season Peruvian varietals are available, along with Chilean clementines. Import mandarin supply should pick up late June. South African product should see first arrivals in early- to mid-July.
 
  

Grapes

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The table grape industry faced challenges due to a major weather event affecting all growing regions. Growers paused harvesting to apply fungicides and clean fields but have resumed packing. While fruit quality appears better than expected, condition issues may emerge later. Some grape varieties will withstand the weather better than others. A strong domestic market in Mexico may keep fruit from being exported to the U.S., leading to varied pricing and quality in spot markets.

 

Honeydew

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There is good supply on honeydews out of Nogales from Northern Mexico with good size distribution. This crop will continue through the month. There is also good supply in the Imperial Valley with sizing overall trending slightly smaller but still availability across all sizes. 

 

Limes

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Region: Veracruz, Mexico

Weather Update: 
Next week’s forecast shows two days of rain, followed by mostly sunny weather. Temperatures are expected to range between 74°F and 98°F, with humidity levels around 66 %. Overall, it’s shaping up to be a favorable week for the continued progress of regular operations.
 
Market Intel: 
The demand for limes has been steady.

Sizing Profile:
Peak sizes are 200/230/175; and size distribution is 110-1%, 150-5%, 175-20%, 200-33%, 230-25%, and 250-16%.

Quality:  
As we move into the second week of June, fruit volume remains strong, with sizes 175, 200, and 230 continuing to dominate — ideal for covering our key programs. Elevated temperatures have brought some challenges, leading to a stricter selection process to ensure that only fruit meeting all quality criteria is packed. Rainfall has begun, which will support adequate hydration and help preserve fruit quality.
 
Looking Ahead:
As we approach the end of June and enter the first week of July, the forecast is expected to remain favorable. The upcoming harvest continues to develop steadily, with small-sized fruit already appearing on the trees. There is strong confidence in a consistent crop, and if rainfall persists, we expect continued improvements in both the quality and overall condition of the fruit. As summer progresses, volumes should remain stable, supporting a reliable supply throughout the season. Additionally, a broader range of sizes is expected to become available, helping to create a more balanced summer market. While we know that July and August typically bring slightly lower volumes than June, supply is projected to remain steady and sufficient to meet all program needs.

 

Mangos

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As we start week 24, we are anticipating higher volumes from Michoacan and Nayarit as we get into peak production for the Mexican season. We are seeing Kent variety in Michoacan peaking on 6/7/8s; this week, we will start to harvest Kents in Nayarit as well. Michoacan is expected to go another 3 weeks before their season comes to an end. Small fruit such as 10/12s and 9s will remain limited this week, and prices are expected to increase on these while prices on large fruit will start to decrease. 

 

Papaya

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Supply Meeting Demand for Papaya in U.S. Market

  • Supply conditions remain stable with better yields and good fruit conditions for harvest. Weather is still cooperating with more fruit available for export.  Good conditions for papaya production will remain for at least the next two weeks. Contracts are being serviced with some extra fruit available to offer. Prices are stable in the U.S. market and should remain as is for the rest of June. Inventories are showing SOME availability to offer. 
  • Majority of sizes are between 6–12s with SOME surplus fruit.
  • Quality is reported as good with fruit showing less speckling and mostly green.
  • Color 25%- 50% / 12-14 brix at point of shipping. Ideal temperature for Imperial papaya is 48 degrees to avoid quality issues upon receiving.
  • Crop outlook:  Forecast has conditions for good supply for the next two weeks.
  • Market Intel:  Enough supply to service demand.
 
  

Pears

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The Northwest pear crop this season is very small, down between 30% and 50% depending on the variety. We are currently shipping Anjou and red pears out of Washington. We expect the market to remain tight and the pricing to remain on the higher side for the foreseeable future. The import season is now in full swing and we now have regular arrivals of imported Bartletts, Bosc, and Anjou available on the East Coast. Overall, we have pears to sell, but pricing will remain higher than normal until the new crop starts out of the Northwest in the fall.

 

Pineapple

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Availability: Supply meeting demand USA Market.

Growing Region:

  • Growing region: MEXICO - Less volume crossing due to better market conditions in Mexico versus the USA. Most growers are keeping their fruit in the internal market, avoiding the lower prices in the USA due to slower demand. Production is stable with similar volume to prior week with a good distribution of sizes peaking on 6s and 7s. Mexico will start seeing lower yields as we get into the summer months. Weather at the pineapple growing regions remains fair with good yields and good quality. Transportation out of Mexico is stable with good availability of trucks to service the pineapple, with no delays happening last week. COSTA RICA - Supply is higher with more surplus this week versus last week on all sizes. Availability of fruit in the market is much higher with 6s and 7s more readily available compared to last week. Conditions are expected to continue for at least two more weeks, getting tighter in late June with an expected market reaction in early July. Good quality of fruit is being exported to the USA and Europe. Market is stable but lower as pine demand remains low. Some surplus is expected to happen with lower prices for the next two weeks. 
  • Mexican fruit quality is good with better condition overall. COSTA RICA - Volume is stable AT PACKING. The USA market is stable on all counts. 
  • 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

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Santa Maria and the Salinas/Watsonville growing areas in California are currently in production; although, some Santa Maria shippers have moved fields to processors and the freezer to keep markets at a sustainable level for the growers.   This has also kept availability a little snugger.   As Santa Maria moves past peak, fruit will be smaller and more susceptible to quality issues.

Weather Outlook:

  • Santa Maria, California - The week of June 9th is forecast on Wednesday and Thursday to be mostly sunny and breezy in the afternoon, and the balance of the week will be sunny, with breezy afternoons.  Highs will be in the upper 60s to low 70s and lows in the 40s.   The week of June 16th is forecast on Monday through Wednesday to be sunny, Thursday through Saturday partly sunny, and then sunny on Sunday.  Highs on Monday and Tuesday in the 60s and the balance of the week in the 70s, and lows in the upper 40s to low 50s.
  • Salinas/Watsonville, California -The week of June 9th is forecast on Wednesday to be sunny to partly cloudy, Thursday and Friday sunny, Saturday mostly cloudy, and sunny on Sunday.  Highs in the upper 60s to low 70s, and lows in the 40s.   The week of June 16th is forecast on Monday through Wednesday to be sunny, Thursday through Saturday partly sunny and sunny on Sunday.  Highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s.
     
 

Watermelon

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Supplies are very good on seedless watermelons and mini watermelons.  Southern Florida is winding down and Georgia is just getting started.  We are picking heavier to 36-count seedless watermelons. 60 count are a little bit tight.  Out West, Nogales is winding down from Northern Mexico.  Arizona and Southern California have started as well.  June and July are good times to promote watermelons. 

Organic Fruits & Vegetables

Organic Apples . Organic Citrus . Organic Dry Vegetables . Organic Melons . Organic Onions . Organic Pears . Organic Potatoes . Organic Squash . Organic Sweet Potatoes

 

Organic Apples

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We had a good crop overall on organic apples this season out of Washington. Movement has been very strong in this category across the country, and this is putting some upward pricing pressure on the crop this year. Imports are also now arriving from Argentina, Chile, and some from New Zealand as well, which is helping to keep prices from rising some. The one variety that is extremely tight and very pricey is the organic Honeycrisp. This variety will remain extremely scarce and expensive until the new crop arrives in mid-August. Organic Granny Smith will be the next tightest variety. We are seeing some price increases now, and this will continue to trend up over the next several months. Overall, we will have supplies on most varieties into the summer this year.

 

 

Organic Citrus

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There has been some changes over the last couple of weeks in the citrus world.  First, we are seeing most of the navel supply drying up.  We are now moving onto Valencia oranges, and we have good supply coming out of Riverside, California.

The lemon market has jumped, and supply has really tightened.  The quality of the lemons we are seeing right now have some effects of the winds we had and with some scarring and puncture. 

Grapefruit is still going strong, and the market is holding steady.  Our quality out of Riverside, California is outstanding, and we are seeing pack-outs come in with most sizes.  23 count through 64 count are available.
 

 
 

Organic Dry Vegetables

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Product is still coming out of Mexico this week and bell peppers have been available.  There is an overabundance of cucumbers right now and the market is flat and cheap.  We should start to see bell peppers, and other dry vegetable items available out of Georgia now.     

 

Organic Melons

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We will have good supplies on organic minis the next two weeks.  We will start Patterson, California at the end of the month.

 

Organic Onions

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California is in full swing now on organic onions.  There are red, yellow, and white available at this time.  Market is strong on the red onions but there is some flex on the yellow and white onion market. Quality has been very nice, and we have seen no issues.  We are going strong now out of Hollister, California. We are packing both red and yellow onions and the quality is outstanding!

 

Organic Pears

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The organic pear crop out of the Northwest was severely damaged this season and down around 50%. We are still shipping organic Anjou in very small quantities.  Imported organic Bartletts will be finishing soon as we approach the end of their season. Overall, organic pears will continue to be tight and expensive until the new crop is harvested in September.

 

Organic Potatoes

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We are well into the California potato season now and we are seeing russet, red, and yellow potatoes available now.  The markets have some down some on the red and yellow potatoes but with russets just starting this week, we are seeing a strong market.  Russets will be limited for another week or two but should start to see that market come down by the end of June.  

 

Organic Squash

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Hard squash is in a transition period.  There is still supply coming up from Mexico but not as much as there was just a few weeks ago.  We are starting to see some supply coming out of California but limited in varieties.  You can find some butternut and spaghetti if needed.  We will be starting our Hollister program in late July or early August, depending on how the weather treats us.

 

Organic Sweet Potatoes

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As smooth as the market and supply have been on sweet potatoes, we are starting to see some changes.  It is the time of the year when storage sweet potatoes start to dry up and pricing jumps.  The first variety for this to happen with is the Japanese variety.  We have seen that market jump over the last week.  Overall, the rest of the varieties are in good supply for now and pricing remains steady.      

Transportation

May kicked off the largest floral push of the year from South Florida for Mother’s Day, followed quickly by the start of produce season. The produce harvest in the Southeast is in full swing as the growing season and heaviest shipping origins transition from Florida to Georgia.
Floral demand, produce demand, Road Check Week, and Memorial Day demand for food and beverages in sequential weeks has led to an extended period of capacity tightness and elevated costs, particularly from the Southeast. Only mild disruptions have been experienced from most Northeast origin points, and capacity is readily available.

 
 
 

GLOBAL UPDATES 

OCEAN CARRIER CONSOLIDATION - Fresh produce growers and shippers attempting to move cargo globally via ocean vessels are dealing with scenarios where ocean carriers genuinely dictate some markets. They dictate and determine the marketability and viability of export markets for many fresh produce exporters. Shippers are being forced to commit earlier to ocean lines to reserve space for upcoming seasons, and spot market space on vessels is nearly impossible to secure.

TARIFF IMPACTS - Fresh produce growers and shippers in North America are bracing for the potential implementation of new tariffs on imports. These tariffs could significantly affect the cost structure and market dynamics for many fresh produce exporters. Growers and shippers are being advised to diversify their markets and strengthen local partnerships to mitigate the impact of these tariffs. Additionally, there is an increased focus on leveraging technology and innovative practices to enhance supply chain resilience and reduce dependency on any single market. The uncertainty surrounding these tariffs is prompting industry players to prepare for multiple outcomes, ensuring they can continue to provide a steady supply of fresh produce to consumers despite potential cost increases.

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 in 2025.

CONTAINER SHORTAGE – The ongoing shortage of refrigerated ocean containers is significantly affecting shipments from Latin America (LATAM) to the USA. This issue stems from a combination of seasonal demand and global logistics disruptions. An imbalance in container availability, compounded by extended transit times and port congestion, is leading to delays and rising shipping costs. Most ocean carriers have responded by imposing elevated peak-season surcharges. Addressing this issue requires coordinated efforts to improve container availability and streamline logistics processes.

For more global freight insights please visit Global Freight Markets Insights | C.H. Robinson.

Floral

Production out of the growing regions is still tight since the seasonal push for graduation and Memorial Day events. As the major floral events slow down for the summer, we should see a surplus in available product throughout Colombia and Ecuador