Freshspective
Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | Issue 180
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:
Mexico’s volume remains down due to weather conditions, creating tight supply across the market. Industry-wide, volume is limited, and the tight supply is shifting West Coast demand to product sourced from Peru, which is also influencing availability in the Southeast.
In Peru, the North Region is experiencing a temporary shortage due to weather and field transitions, though production in the South Region remains steady and reliable.
Limited fields in Mexico are expected to begin production in the next couple of weeks, but this will not significantly relieve pressure on Peruvian imports. October is expected to remain challenging, while November is projected to start improving mid-month as more fields come into full production. Unless unexpected weather issues arise, we anticipate stable volumes and ongoing adjustments in the process to meet demand.
Thanks to our strong grower network, we continue to maintain good availability even during challenging conditions. Connect with your subject matter expert to plan ahead and secure product as we approach the Holiday season!
Bell Peppers
[email protected]Local is starting to take a toll, as weather is starting to affect harvesting. Transitioning is already taking place into Georgia, and we do expect demand to pick up. Long term, Florida is projected to start by the middle /end of November. For the next two weeks, we should have decent volume in Georgia.
Broccoli
[email protected]Broccoli supplies are moderate across all regions and market remains elevated. Watch for quality issues from Mexico with some hollow heart and stem issues. The Southeast will be starting in the next few weeks.
Cabbage
Market continues to be elevated but some slight increase in supply will help with availability. The Great Lakes region will start to wind down in the coming weeks as we transition to the South for the fall timeframe.
Celery
[email protected]The celery market has continued to see elevated pricing as there are very limited supplies as an industry across all pack styles. The market is expected to remain firm at elevated levels and demand has been steady. Weights and yields are at a fair budget for the Western vegetable season and quality is solid despite market conditions. Supplies from Mexico are expected to pick up by the end of the month to start leveling out the market.
Cucumbers
[email protected]Local season is practically done, so the only game in town seems to be Georgia. Expect markets to react but we do expect Florida to start with their fall crop by the end of the month. Mexican season is weeks aways from starting to produce good volume.
Greens
[email protected]Greens season in the Southeast is in full swing, with excellent volume and plenty of greens in the foreseeable future. White fly pressure is above normal this year; we hope to see that clear in the coming 1-2 weeks. Greens in the West are seeing some supply issues that could last into Thanksgiving.
Leaf Lettuce
[email protected]We continue to have lighter supplies of leaf due the past weather patterns in the Salinas Valley. Demand increased pace as well and will continue to hold a firm market. The weather has caused decreased yields and weights. Local programs will start to slow down this week in the Great Lakes area and programs will shift south. Local Texas is a month out from harvest and crops are currently starting to take shape. We are targeting 11/14 as a start date.
Potatoes
[email protected]We are approaching the home stretch for the harvest of russet potatoes from Idaho. We are looking at a large crop of high-quality potatoes. Markets will be stable, and prices are likely to remain low for the foreseeable future. We should not see a lot of change until the holiday pull starts in early November. Reds and yellows are also in good supplies from multiple regions. We should not see much change in the near future.
Squash
[email protected]Demand continues to remain active as Georgia seems to be the main region with product. Availability is snug as Georgia is on the tail end of their season. We do expect Mexican product to start being more readily available as their season gets started. There is also some squash that is starting to be harvested in Florida, but no major volume yet. Over the weekend, Hermosillo did get a significant amount of rain that is pausing harvesting until later in the week.
Sweet Corn
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Conventional Fruits
Apples
We are still in the heart of the apple harvest. The earlier varieties like the Gala and Honeycrisp are now mostly off the trees. The Gala harvest came in a little shorter than projected but will have good color and will peak on 100 count, so there won’t be many larger trays this year. Currently, we are showing more Galas in storage than last year but less than the year before. Honeys also came in a little shorter than projected but we still have a good crop. Currently, we are still harvesting mainly Fuji, Granny Smith, Red Delicious, and Golden Delicious, along with several other varieties. We still have around 3 to 4 weeks of harvest remaining and if the weather continues to cooperate, we expect to have a good crop of apples to sell this season but maybe not the bumper crop that we were anticipating a month ago.
Avocados
Avocados: Mexico 90% of market supply. California winding down this month. The last of the Peru arrivals now. Quality from Mexico a little spotty with some issues related to rain. Mexico peaking on 48/60s and larger.
Bush Berries
[email protected]
Blueberries – Spread in the market depending on load location/grower.
- Peruvian fruit available among various loading regions. Markets remain strong; however, as more fruit enters the marketplace, market will begin to correct.
- Mexico supply is beginning with light supplies, mostly 6 ounce. We are seeing good quality. We will begin to see volume ramp up in the coming weeks and should be in full swing by the middle of November.
Raspberries – Limited supplies.
- California/Baja – California continues to wind down as the season wraps up. We are seeing quality issues because of the humidity a few weeks ago, causing weak/soft berries. Baja has been delayed with the rainstorms.
- Mexico fruit has slowed down. We are seeing rainstorms across all growing regions. Transfers to California will remain limited until volume begins to ramp up.
Blackberries – Limited supplies.
- California supply is winding down. Santa Maria and Watsonville will go for another 2 weeks or so with limited availability and some quality issues/red cell. We will begin to rely heavily on Mexico fruit.
- Mexico supply last week was very limited. We are seeing small amounts begin to trickle in – availability is day to day, and we are at the mercy of crossings. We are seeing rain across growing regions but are hopeful to see better supplies as we near the end of October. Mexico transfers in California will remain limited until volumes ramp up.
Cantaloupe
Seeing light supply on cantaloupes as the California Central Valley winds down on production for the season. The rain brought to the region by Hurricane Prescilla slowed down harvests and growers needing to lay out until the end of the week. Yuma production is also delayed due to rains and should hopefully get going by mid-week/weekend.
Citrus
Oranges
- California Navels: Crop volume projected down 10% from last season but an increase in carton production is expected due to larger average fruit size. Harvesting to begin this week in a small way with better availability by late November. Much of this fruit will be harvested green and subjected to longer gassing hours to bring out the orange color. Gassing hours typically shorten as season progresses through November. Initial harvests should peak on 72/88 counts before seeing more 56 count. Later season sizing expected to peak on 56/48 counts. Fruit is expected to be clean and favoring more fancy than choice grade.
- Import Navels: Import supplies from Chile, South Africa, and Uruguay are tightening as the season comes to an end. Primarily large fruit (40/48/56 counts) remaining. Most importers will prioritize covering program commitments through October with the season finishing up early November. Sugar content remains consistent at 12–14 brix.
- Import Valencias: Midknight valencias are available in limited quantities. Availability should improve into late October when more Chilean fruit enters the market. Quality is reported good with great juice content. Smaller sizes remain limited due to higher demand.
- Import Caras: Volume remains available on larger fruit from Chile as South African imports phase out. Chilean supplies are expected to be available through October pending demand and programs.
- Florida Juice Oranges: Hamlins are available with crops peaking on smaller sizes (125/100/138 counts). Larger sizes expected to remain more limited. Supplies are projected through most of January with a smooth transition to Valencias.
- Florida Navels: Quality is expected to be strong but overall crop volume is projected to be down. Harvesting should begin in late October with peak sizing on 64/80/56 counts.
Lemons
- California: District 2 has finished and District 3 started harvesting in a small way. Overall limited availability and strong demand are keeping markets elevated. Availability should improve in late October when District 1 yields strengthen in volume. District 3 fruit is peaking on 140/165/115 counts while District 1 is peaking on 140/115/165 counts.
- Offshore Imports: Argentina has finished, resulting in very limited Chilean product remaining. Markets are active with strong demand and limited availability. Expect offshore imports to be done in the next coming weeks.
- Mexico: The crop is winding down but continues to show mostly choice-grade fruit, with lighter volume on fancy grade. Fruit has sized up some with better availability on 95/115 counts. Overall, not enough supply to meet demand.
- Florida: Lemons out of Florida are reported to have strong quality this year with bright yellow color and good internal condition. Peak sizing on 140/165 counts. As this is a short season, available supplies are expected to be limited as the overall lemon market remains tight. Rain has also limited harvesting. Season should run through mid-November, pending demand movement.
Grapefruit
- California: Rios to start in November but more growers will ramp up grapefruit availability in late-February when harvesting increases with preferred varietals.
- Imports: Grapefruit from South Africa and Peru is available with good volume. Larger sizes (32–40 counts) are more prevalent, with limited availability on smaller fruit (45–55 counts). Fruit is reported to be with solid internal quality. Steady import supplies are expected through late-October and into November.
- Florida: Season has started with availability expected to improve toward the end of the month. Some growers were affected by hurricanes last season so yield expectations vary; overall volume should be similar to last season. Sizing should also be similar to last year, peaking on 40/48/56 counts, leaving larger fruit more limited. Overall quality is reported to be good with excellent internals and great external appearance.
Mandarins
- Imports: Good availability but starting to see more demand as we enter the end of the Southern Hemisphere import season. Murcotts from Chile continue with steady supplies through October while Peruvian and South African supplies finish. Chilean product is yielding more small fruit, peaking on 32/36 counts. Moroccan early-season Clemenoules are expected to start later November/early December, with Murcotts and Nadorcotts to become available early next year.
- California: Good outlook on volume for early- and mid-season varietals – Clementines, Pages, and Leanris. Crop sizing expected to be slightly larger, peaking on 21/24/28s. A reduction in mid- to late-season varietals is anticipated – Tangos and Murcotts. However, the later season varietals are anticipated to have larger sizing, peaking on 18/21/24 counts. No quality issues are reported at this time. Some growers will start in November, with more volume picking up late December/early January.
Grapes
Consumer grape preferences have shifted, with green seedless varieties now outperforming red seedless in terms of volume. Proprietary green varieties like Sweet Globe, Ivory, and Autumn Crisp have gained popularity due to their appealing size and eating quality. While some red varieties, such as Jack Salutes and Allison, are still performing well, the overall data clearly shows a move toward green seedless. Retail sales remain flat, inventories are growing, and spot market prices have been below production costs since August. Although FOB pricing has recently increased, upcoming rain could negatively impact the harvest and fruit quality and further push up prices.
Honeydew
Seeing very light availability on honeydews out of the Central Valley with harvest winding down for the season and rain delaying the last few harvests. Yuma production should get going by the weekend once the fields dry out from the rains. Mexican honeydews loading in Nogales remain tight due to rains in Hermosillo from Hurricane Prescilla slowing down harvests.
Limes
Region: Veracruz, Mexico
Weather Update:
The upcoming week’s weather suggests several days of rain. Anticipate high humidity, with temperatures fluctuating between 68°F and 88°F.
Market Intel:
The demand for limes has been steady.
Sizing Profile:
Peak sizes 200/175/230. Size distribution: 110-3%, 150-12%, 175-25%, 200-29%, 230-20%, and 250-11%.
Quality:
We will be crossing the third week of October with a good volume of fruit, with limes arriving in very good condition. The fruit looks green, firm, and strong. As correctly noted in the forecasts, after the temporary slowdown caused by the heavy rains this week, we can say that from now in October will be offering us all the fruit necessary to cover our programs. The sizes are mainly 175s, 200s, and 230s — a very good range to make the operation efficient.
Looking Ahead:
End of October we will get an ample supply of 175/200/250-sized produce readily available to support the program. November will offer us regular volume. We will have access to very fresh fruit--less than October but enough for all the programs.
Mangos
We are on week 42 and we have two weeks left before the Brazilian season comes to an end. Volume is expected to decrease this week and next week for arrivals weeks 44/45. Availability has been minimal from several shippers with only small fruit available. Larger sizes are committed and harder to source. Ecuador will start packing reds this week for arrival Week 44. We expect small volume to start, but supply will slowly increase week over week. Peak shipping production for Ecuador is expected between Weeks 45-49 for arrivals Weeks 47-51.
Papaya
SUPPLY JUST MEETING DEMAND FOR PAPAYA IN THE U.S.A. MARKET.
• Growing region: MEXICO - Little to NO volume out of Mexico crossing into the USA. Market in the USA remains low after coming down, with Mexican growers continuing to keep fruit in the local market which remains attractive. Production is still low but improving with the sizing curve trending now more into the middle of the curve with good supply of 6s and 7s. Transportation out of Mexico is stable with good availability of trucks to service pineapple; no delays happening last week. COSTA RICA - Supply is improving but still not at normal levels. Some availability of fruit in the market with both 6s and 7s selling at lower prices which are not being driven by supply but instead is due to slow demand. Supply conditions are expected to remain with low volume at farms for the next three weeks. Market is lower due to less demand. Good quality fruit being exported to USA and Europe.
• Mexican fruit quality is good with some availability. COSTA RICA - Volume is low at packing . The USA market is stable but lower on all counts.
• Forecast: Some surplus fruit is being offered at USA shipping points by large grower/shippers at this time. Market is lower versus last week.
Pears
We are now shipping new-crop pears from Oregon and Washington State where we are shipping new crop on Bartletts, red pears, Bosc, and Anjou pears. Overall, we are looking at a large crop of pears out of the Northwest this season. The harvest has a way to go and will continue into November this year; but if everything goes as planned, we are expecting a large crop of all the major pear varieties with great promotional opportunities.
Pineapple
Supply Meeting Demand in U.S. Market.
Supply conditions are stable with enough supply to service demand. Growers are concerned with the recent storms affecting the west coast of Mexico and what the excess rainfall will do to the crops. Strong internal market will keep the overall availability of fruit being exported just right to service the USA out of Mexico. Supply, for at least the next two weeks, for papaya production will be very weather dependent. Prices are stable in the U.S. market and should remain stable as we go through October.
Inventories are showing some availability to offer.
Majority of sizes are between 6-12s with some surplus fruit.
Quality is reported as good with some shorter shell life and some stem issues due to extra humidity at the fields.
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 as with steady supply for the next two weeks.
Market Intel: Enough supply to service demand.
Strawberries
Strawberries are in very limited supply due to weather conditions and lower production in Santa Maria and Oxnard. Salinas/Watsonville has finished their season, and Central Mexico is only crossing a few pallets. Rain in Santa Maria and Oxnard the beginning of the week will cause rain damage, bruising, decay, and potential mold on arrival. The fruit size is also trending smaller. Prebooks are encouraged.
Weather Outlook
- Santa Maria, California - The week of 10/13 is forecast to be sunny with breezy afternoons on Wednesday and Thursday, Sunday cool with sunshine and a few clouds. Highs on Wednesday in the 60s, increasing to the 70s Thursday through Saturday and decreasing to the 60s on Sunday and lows in the upper 40s. The week of 10/20 is forecast to be partly sunny on Monday, sunny from Tuesday through Thursday, mostly sunny on Friday and Saturday, and mostly cloudy on Sunday. Highs in the upper 60s to 70s and lows in the 40s to low 50s.
- Oxnard, California -The week of 10/13 is for Wednesday to be mostly sunny, Thursday through Saturday sunny, and then partly cloudy on Sunday. Highs in the upper 60s to 70s and lows in the 50s. The week of 10/20 is forecast on Monday and Tuesday to be partly sunny, Wednesday and Thursday sunny, and then mostly sunny for the balance of the week. Highs in the upper 60s to 70s and lows in the 50s.
Watermelon
Supplies are a little tight on watermelons. We are shipping Northern Mexico out of Nogales, Arizona. We had some recent rain this past weekend and supplies will be lighter this week. We are also shipping Mexican melons in Edinburg, Texas, with light volume. Florida is also going with a limited fall crop.
Organic Fruits & Vegetables
Organic Apples
[email protected]We are now shipping new crop on organic Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith. We are predicting that new-crop organic Pink Lady will be available in another week or so. Overall, the organic apple crop is mirroring the conventional crop and supplies, and quality is expected to be good on most varieties. The organic category will be very promotable for the remainder of this year and into next year.
Organic Citrus
[email protected]- Current Conditions: Organic citrus is very tight right now due to the end of the summer season and fall crops not yet ready. Expect gaps in supply for oranges, lemons, and grapefruit.
- Mexico Imports: Some lemons are arriving from Mexico. Quality is average, with most graded as choice. Fancy grade is limited, which is driving strong pricing.
- Outlook: California’s fall citrus crops are expected to begin late October to November. Until then, supply will remain tight and pricing firm.
Organic Dry Vegetables
[email protected]• Market Conditions: The market is currently soft, with plenty of supply available across the U.S.
• Demand Outlook: Demand is low at the moment but expected to increase as we move into fall, especially with the upcoming holidays.
• Supply Regions: Organic hard squash is available from many U.S. regions, including a strong supply from Hollister, California, which is well-positioned for holiday promotions.
• Bell Peppers & More: We’re starting to see increased availability of bell peppers and other organic items from Mexico, signaling the beginning of their season and expanding options for buyers.
Organic Melons
[email protected]Organic minis are going for another week in Patterson, California. We are also starting Northern Mexico out of Nogales. We will have good supplies into November.
Organic Onions
[email protected]• Supply Regions: Organic onions are currently shipping out of Washington and California, with strong volumes from the Kern District and Central Coast.
• Market Conditions: The market remains steady across red, yellow, and sweet organic onions. No major price fluctuations reported.
• Quality & Availability: Quality is excellent across all varieties. Plenty of supply available, ensuring consistent fulfillment. No significant gaps expected as supply will continue into April or May of 2026.
Organic Pears
[email protected]We have a good organic pear crop this year out of the Northwest and are currently shipping organic Bartletts and organic Bosc pears. New-crop organic Anjou will be available in another week. The quality is looking good this season and the crop is large, so plan to promote this category for the next several months.
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]• Supply Regions: Mexico is beginning its season, contributing to increasing supply. Georgia continues to provide steady volume and good quality.
• Availability & Quality: Good supply across varieties (zucchini, yellow squash, etc.). Quality is currently good, with expected improvement over the next few weeks as Mexico’s season ramps up.
Organic Sweet Potatoes
[email protected]• Availability: California sweet potatoes are now plentiful, with strong supply across all major varieties: white, red, orange, and Japanese.
• Sizes Available: Full range of sizes including: #1s, Jumbos, and Mediums.
• Quality: Outstanding quality reported as harvest continues through October, ensuring fresh product and strong promotional opportunities heading into the holiday season.
Transportation
The Midwest is still seeing some inflated rates, but capacity is readily available. Michigan seems tighter than the rest of the Midwest. Illinois is mostly a rate issue. South Dakota capacity remains spotty. Arkansas/Missouri rates are slightly inflated but capacity is available. Dallas capacity remains readily available and seems to be slowing down some. Southern Texas remains loose with capacity readily available.
The Southeast is still very soft, and capacity is readily available, even same day, especially in locations such as Florida and Georgia. On the contrary, any freight heading inbound to those locations is expensive and tough to sell. The Northeast has remained relatively stable with plenty of capacity available. Same-day loads are a bit stickier in pockets and lanes heading south, specifically into Florida, and are very undesirable.
• Intra-California lanes have come back down in cost, with seasonal produce tapering off—particularly berries—as growing regions shift for the winter.
• Long-haul lanes out of California continue to trend downward, with no major disruptions expected in the near term.
• Arizona rates remain elevated due to limited outbound produce and fewer inbound trucks. We expect this to persist through mid-October, with relief likely once regional produce begins shipping again.
• Pacific Northwest volumes are expected to pick up as the apple harvest ramps up. This will drive higher outbound rates and tighter capacity through Q4, though it may improve backhaul opportunities into the region.
• Diwali (October 20) may impact coverage and costs during that week, as many carriers in our network take time off to celebrate. We recommend planning ahead for any critical shipments during that period.
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. Reefer equipment shortages are forecasted to continue throughout 2025, affecting numerous South American ports. Shippers are being forced to consider alternative ports to secure space and limit possible delays. Any rate premiums could be a direct correlation to reefer container availability. These are just a few of the current factors that add to the difficulty of predicting long-term rates.
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 through 2025.
USTR DECISIONS FEES CHINA SHIPBUILDING - Effective October 14, 2025, vessels built in China will incur additional fees when arriving at U.S. ports. These charges are expected to start at $120 per container, with the final amount depending on the vessel’s net tonnage. U.S.-based carriers, such as Seaboard Marine and Crowley, will be exempt from these fees—even if their vessels were constructed in China. To mitigate potential cost increases, consider diversifying shipping partners by working with ocean carriers that operate non-Chinese-built vessels or by prioritizing U.S.-based carriers.
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
No changes for floral. Availability and air freight are at good levels from both Colombia and Ecuador growing regions.