Freshspective
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | Issue 200
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
The Peruvian asparagus market remains constrained, particularly for larger sizes, including Medium, Large, Extra Large, and Jumbo. Availability of Small and Standard sizes is relatively stable, while larger calibers remain extremely limited.
The primary driver is unseasonably warm weather during Peru’s winter season. Historically, cooler winter temperatures promote the development of larger calibers such as Large, Extra Large, and Jumbo, while warmer temperatures tend to produce a higher proportion of Small and Standard sizes.
Peru is currently in the peak of its winter season, when larger sizes would typically dominate production; however, that is not the case this year.
At this time, no meaningful shift in the sizing profile is expected in the near term. Based on current growing conditions, production is expected to remain weighted toward Standard and Small sizes, with larger calibers continuing to be in short supply.
Bell Peppers
[email protected]Supply is strong with production surplus across the country. Promotional opportunities abound.
Broccoli
[email protected]Broccoli markets remain balanced, with dependable supplies available from both California and Mexico. Favorable growing conditions have supported solid quality, strong color, and good sizing across most production areas. Demand remains moderate and well aligned with available supplies, resulting in stable conditions. Both crowns and bunch broccoli remain readily available, supporting retail and foodservice needs. Weather conditions across major growing regions have been generally favorable, helping maintain consistent harvest schedules and product quality. Over the next two weeks, the market is expected to remain steady with good supply levels and continued opportunities for promotional activity.
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 markets have strengthened as supplies tighten modestly while demand remains consistent across retail and foodservice channels. California continues to supply the majority of volume, with Mexican production supplementing availability where needed. Quality is generally good, though some variability in sizing and yields has been reported due to seasonal growing conditions. While supplies remain sufficient to cover current demand, inventories are not as abundant as other vegetable categories. Buyers are encouraged to monitor availability closely if production remains constrained.
Cucumbers
[email protected]Supply continues to improve as new fields being in the Midwest. Canada and New York are seeing stronger production this 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 markets continue to ease as supplies from California’s coastal growing regions remain strong and harvest conditions remain favorable. Romaine, green leaf, and red leaf are readily available, with generally good quality, strong color, and improved shelf life reported across most growing districts. Demand remains steady but is not keeping pace with current production levels, creating ample product availability and strong buying opportunities. Weather across the West Coast has remained largely supportive, allowing growers to maintain consistent harvest schedules. Over the next two weeks, supplies are expected to remain abundant, making lettuce one of the strongest promotional opportunities in the produce department.
Squash
[email protected]Recent rains are slowing production in the northeast. The Midwest and Westcoast continue with strong production and no supply concerns.
Sweet Corn
[email protected]
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Conventional Fruits
Apples
The 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 limited item this year, with the latest storage report showing inventory down more than 20% compared with 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. Import apples are winding down, with only a couple more vessels expected to arrive on the East Coast in the next few weeks.
In Washington State, harvest has begun on Early Gala and Early Honeycrisp strains. This early fruit will be limited and is expected to yield light volumes for the next two weeks. Main Gala harvest is expected to begin in earnest around mid-August, with larger Honeycrisp volumes expected later in August. Other apple varieties are not expected to harvest until September or October. Overall, the new apple crop is projected to be slightly smaller than last year, but it is still early in the season and conditions may improve as the major harvest period begins in September.
Avocados
Texas remains the main shipping point for Mexican avocados. New-crop harvest has started, with sizing primarily in the 60, 70, and 84 counts. Larger sizes, especially 32, 36, and 40 counts, are expected to remain limited until at least mid-August. California continues to harvest with good sizing. Offshore supply from Peru remains active, with most fruit in 48 count and larger sizes.
Bush Berries
[email protected]- Raspberries: Demand remains soft, while supplies continue to outpace current market needs. Regional shipping hubs continue to experience congestion as excess product moves through the supply chain. Abundant availability is expected to keep conditions soft heading into next week. Availability varies by grower, brand, and inventory position.
- Blackberries: Demand remains soft and continues to lag behind available supply. California production is readily available, with ample volumes in the marketplace. Specialty pack orders can generally be accommodated with minimal lead time due to improved availability. Limited shipper-to-shipper trading is taking place, reflecting comfortable supply levels and balanced fulfillment across the market. Availability varies by loading location and brand.
- Blueberries: Demand has moderated as increased production from the Pacific Northwest has exceeded current market needs. Supplies continue to build, and spot opportunities are becoming more readily available, providing increased flexibility at consolidated loading locations. Peruvian imports could enter the marketplace as early as mid-August.
Cantaloupe
The Central Valley of California continues to produce exceptional quality, with high brix and good flavor. Harvests are yielding strong volumes, making August a strong promotional window.
Citrus
Oranges
- California Valencias: California is now primarily shipping Valencias, with the crop peaking on larger sizes, especially 56s and 72s. Smaller sizes, including 113s and 138s, remain limited as demand continues to outpace available supplies. Loading is occurring out of Districts 2 and 3.
- Import Navels: Chilean navels are now arriving in light volumes. While supply is building, imports are not expected to fully offset the seasonal decline in California availability.
- Outlook: Overall orange supplies remain available but are becoming more restricted as domestic navels finish and schools begin returning to session. Valencia demand continues to grow, particularly on mid-sized fruit.
Lemons
- California Lemons: Loading is primarily from District 2. The D2 crop is peaking on 95s, 115s, and 140s Choice, while Fancy fruit remains limited. Overall supplies are adequate, but availability of larger sizes continues to tighten.
- Import Lemons: Chilean and Argentinian lemons continue to arrive with good overall quality. Imports are heavily weighted toward smaller sizes, particularly 165s and 200s, helping provide additional small-fruit availability.
- Outlook: Large fruit, including 115s and larger, remains the tightest segment of the category, while increased import arrivals have supported smaller sizes. Conditions are expected to remain steady over the next few weeks before seasonal supply challenges emerge later in September.
Grapefruit
- California Grapefruit: California Star Ruby grapefruit continues to offer strong quality and ample availability. The crop is peaking on larger sizes, with the best availability on 36s and larger. As the Star Ruby season winds down, the industry is expected to transition smoothly into Marsh Ruby grapefruit. Quality remains excellent across the category, with promotable volume available.
Mandarins
- Import Mandarins: Mandarins from Chile, Peru, Uruguay, and Morocco are available, though overall supply remains limited. Uruguay is currently peaking on larger sizes, while Chilean fruit is trending slightly smaller. El Nino-related weather impacts have reduced overall volume compared with last season, and prolonged high temperatures have delayed color development, slowing exports from key growing regions. Despite cosmetic maturity challenges, internal quality and flavor remain strong.
- Outlook: Supply remains constrained due to weather-related production and harvesting challenges across several growing regions. Additional arrivals are expected throughout August, but the industry continues to anticipate a tighter-than-normal import season, with potential supply gaps as weather impacts affect production and export timing.
Grapes
California’s table grape season remains three to four weeks ahead of normal, with shipments already 8 million boxes ahead of last year. Peak production is arriving early as proprietary varieties overlap, while 105–108°F temperatures continue to accelerate harvest. Retailers should capitalize on increasing volume with strong promotions to keep product moving.
Honeydew
The Central Valley of California is yielding strong volumes and exceptional quality on honeydews. Sizing is trending toward larger Jumbo 5 count and 5 count fruit.
Limes
Region: Veracruz, Mexico
Weather Update: Warm to very hot and humid conditions are expected, with maximum temperatures ranging from 88°F to 95°F and minimum temperatures between 72°F and 77°F. Periods of sunshine and variable cloud cover will prevail, with scattered showers and thunderstorms likely, primarily during the afternoon and evening hours. Elevated temperatures and high humidity are expected to persist throughout most of the forecast period, resulting in oppressive conditions and intermittent precipitation.
Sizing Profile: Peak sizes are 175, 150, and 200. Size distribution: 110, 11%; 150, 21%; 175, 25%; 200, 22%; 230, 13%; 250, 8%.
Quality: There is an elevated risk of oleocellosis, mechanical damage during harvest of wet fruit, potential physiological rind injury, fruit drop, and reduced commercial and export quality. Intermittent rainfall may also restrict field operations and reduce the timeliness and effectiveness of phytosanitary applications.
Looking Ahead: The last major harvests of the seasonal production cycle are expected during this period. Relatively low harvest volumes are anticipated due to reduced availability of marketable fruit in the orchards.
Mangos
As week 32 begins, the 2026 mango season is nearing its end. Shipping is currently out of Los Mochis, where Keitt harvest has just started. Peak sizes are 7s and 8s, followed by 6s and limited 9s, with some jumbo 5s available week to week. Harvest in Los Mochis is expected to continue for two to three more weeks before volume decreases significantly.
Papaya
Papaya supply is meeting demand in the U.S. market. Supply conditions remain stable, with enough volume crossing to service demand. Yields and quality have improved since last week, with a balanced internal market competing against exports. Production is expected to remain sufficient for at least the next two weeks, supported by good quality and favorable harvest conditions.
Inventories show some availability to offer. The majority of sizes are between 6s and 12s, with some surplus fruit. Quality is reported as good, with some speckling and lower color. Color is 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. Fruit condition includes some speckling and scarring, with mostly clean skin.
Pears
New-crop Bartlett, Bosc, and red pears are currently shipping out of Lodi, California. The California crop is smaller than last year, but there should be plenty of fruit available for shipping through August. The Washington pear crop is expected to begin with Bartlett and red pears next week, followed by Anjou pears in early September. The overall Washington crop is projected to be smaller than last year’s bumper crop, but there should be ample fruit available this fall. Quality is reported as good, and sizing appears normal with a good mix of sizes.
Pineapple
Supply Meeting Demand in U.S. Market.
Supply: Mexican supply continues to decline significantly, with very little volume crossing during the summer gap. Organic supply remains on hold until early September. Costa Rica supply is also declining, with volumes expected to drop significantly by mid-August and likely remain low until early November. Tight volume in Costa Rica is primarily due to strong natural flowering followed by a lack of harvestable product. Some fruit remains available in the U.S. market, including 6s and 7s. Costa Rica supply conditions are expected to decline over the next three weeks.
Quality: Mexico is seeing low yields, lower brix, and very limited market availability. Costa Rica is seeing lower volume with good quality at packing, and good-quality fruit is being exported to the U.S. and EU.
Forecast: Demand remains stable. Similar surplus fruit is being offered at U.S. shipping points by large grower-shippers at this time.
Strawberries
Demand remains soft as August begins, with most major U.S. market hubs experiencing congestion due to ample conventional and organic supply.California by District
- Santa Maria: Yields remain low leading into the seasonal fall crop transition.
- Salinas/Watsonville: Production yields are showing more consistency overall.
Watermelon
Watermelon and mini watermelon supplies remain strong. Eastern shipping is active out of North Carolina, Delaware, Indiana, and Missouri, with good supply levels. Texas also has good supplies. In the West, good supplies are available from Stockton, California, and Wapato, Washington. Continue to promote watermelons and mini watermelons in August.
Organic Fruits & Vegetables
Organic Apples
[email protected]The new crop out of Washington State has started in very light volumes. New-crop organic Gala is now being harvested and shipped in limited quantities, providing welcome relief after being one of the shortest items in the apple category over the last couple of months. Organic Honeycrisp is expected to be the next variety harvested and should begin at the end of August. Other key organic varieties, including Fuji, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady, are not expected to harvest until September or October, though limited supplies remain available from last year’s crop.
Organic Citrus
[email protected]The California organic citrus market is undergoing its seasonal 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]Organic mini melon supplies are expected to remain strong through the end of September, shipping out of Patterson, California.
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 expected to start in the next week or two. There is currently good supply of both medium and jumbo onions. Shallots have also begun and are available in Hollister, California.
Organic Pears
[email protected]Harvest is expected to begin on new-crop Organic Bartlett pears out of Washington State around August 15 this year. Organic Anjou and Organic Bosc pears are expected to start in Washington around September 20.
Organic Potatoes
[email protected]California organic potato supply is anchored by fresh-harvested new-crop potatoes from Kern County, including Russets, Reds, Yellows, and fingerlings. The Washington potato season has started early this year, with Russets, Reds, and yellow potatoes available beginning this week. Potatoes from Colorado are not expected until late September.
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 from Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The organic hard squash market remains relatively flat. Old-crop storage supply is largely depleted, and the new crop from 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 category is avoiding the sharp mid-summer supply gaps seen in other dry vegetable categories. California continues to drive the West, with robust production out of the 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.
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. The temporary 10% Section 122 import surcharge that replaced the invalidated IEEPA tariffs expired on July 24, 2026, at the end of its statutory 150-day period. Simultaneously, the United States implemented new Section 301 tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from approximately 60 trading partners, limiting any broad reduction in tariff exposure for most importers. Existing Section 301 and Section 232 tariffs remain in effect, and additional trade measures continue to be considered under various statutory authorities.
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, fuel, war-risk, and contingency surcharges continue to affect global ocean freight costs. Recent increases in bunker fuel prices and renewed security concerns in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz have prompted several ocean carriers to implement or reinstate additional surcharges for August 2026. Although freight markets remain volatile, geopolitical developments and vessel-routing decisions continue to create uncertainty regarding transportation costs, transit times, and supply chain reliability.
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
Supply conditions remain steady with no significant changes.