The produce trade this week showed varied price movements and shifting volumes across major fruits and vegetables. Seasonal trends, prior commitments, and regional conditions continued to influence availability and pricing.
Asparagus
Imports from Peru through Southern California are decreasing, with moderate trading and lower prices. Eleven-pound cartons of green asparagus are mostly US$40.75–42.75 for jumbo and extra-large, US$34.00–36.75 for large, US$30.00–32.00 for standard, and US$28.00–30.00 for small; white large are US$42.00–44.00. Shipments from Mexico through Arizona, California, and Texas are also easing slightly, with most already pre-booked.
Avocado
Mexican movement through Texas remains steady. Conventional Hass two-layer cartons are mostly US$28.25–30.25 for 32s, US$26.25–28.25 for 36–48s, and US$21.25–23.25 for 60s. Organic 48–60s are mostly US$36.25–38.25. In California's South District, volumes are declining seasonally, with 32s mostly US$33.25–36.25 and 48s US$30.25–33.25.
Blueberry
Imports from Peru via Miami, Philadelphia, and New York are increasing as the season progresses, with active trading and good quality. Mexican and Chilean shipments are also rising, though current volumes are limited and markets are not yet established. The first F.O.B. reports from Chile are expected in late October.
Cucumber
Mexican crossings through Nogales, Arizona, are increasing. Prices are steady for 36s and slightly higher for others, with medium 1 1/9-bushel cartons US$14.95–16.95 and large US$16.95–17.95. In Texas, prices are higher at US$17.95–19.95 for medium and US$19.00–21.00 for large. Georgia's movement remains steady, with a medium US$16.35–18.35.
Green bell pepper
Movement from California's South District is decreasing seasonally, with prices generally unchanged at US$15.95–16.95 for irregular sizes. Georgia's market is steady, with jumbo and extra-large US$8.35–10.35. Mexico's Nogales crossings remain limited, while the Coachella Valley is beginning its harvest at similar price levels.
Strawberry
Production in California's Oxnard and Santa Maria districts is increasing. Flats of 8 one-pound containers are mostly US$22.00–24.00; organic lots range US$24.00–28.00. Mexican shipments through Texas are also rising, priced mostly at US$20.00–24.00. Quality remains generally good.
Tomato
Mexican crossings through Texas are expected to rise slightly. Vine-ripe cartons two-layer 4x4–4x5s are US$14.95–16.95 and 5x5–5x6s US$13.95–14.95. North Florida and South Georgia remain stable, with 25-pound loose cartons 5x5–5x6s at US$15.35–15.50 and 6x7s at US$12.35–13.50. Florida's harvest is set to expand in early November.
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