Freshspective
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 | Issue 197
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
Domestic asparagus production is winding out fast! Michigan is pretty much done; and while there are other regions with niche production, the volume is being utilized to satisfy local demand. Please know the market is SHORT in general and across multiple loading areas. Expect domestic prices to continue to go up and supply to continue to shrink until all regions are done. Mexico production is limited as well; Baja has very little to offer and Guanajuato is just getting started. Peru continues to raise their prices as product keeps tightening up. Demand is increasing with local supply coming to the end. We expect Peruvian supply to remain on the shorter end at least for the entire month of July. We are sold out this week.
Bell Peppers
[email protected]The weekend was a washout in Georgia, but harvesting is resuming today. The weather outlook looks promising, so we should we be able to resume harvesting. We do have South and North Carolina starting as well, so we expect better availability in the upcoming weeks.
Broccoli
[email protected]Broccoli supply is active in California with consistent production out of Salinas and Santa Maria, supported by Mexican crossings and emerging regional harvests in the Midwest and East Coast, including New Jersey. The market is generally steady, with some localized firmness depending on field yields. Quality is good overall, though some lots are showing minor variability in sizing due to changing weather conditions. As temperatures increase, growers are closely managing harvest timing, which can impact pack-outs in certain areas. Over the next two weeks, supply is expected to remain adequate across regions, with the potential for slight market firming if production tightens during transitional periods.
Cabbage
Cabbage has been in good supply out of the Carolinas. The northern regions like Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and the Northeast have also begun. Look for great quality in all areas with promotable volume. There are deals to be had!
Celery
[email protected]Celery supply is steadily improving with strong production out of Salinas and additional volume from Oxnard, supported by regional programs in the Midwest and East Coast as those seasons begin. Mexico continues to play a supplemental role, primarily in the southern U.S. The market is steady with a slight easing trend as overall availability improves. Quality is good, with consistent sizing and strong pack-outs supporting reliable shipments. Hearts and value-added items may still experience occasional tightness, but overall supply is more predictable. Over the next two weeks, the category is expected to remain stable with continued dependable supply across multiple growing regions.
Cucumbers
[email protected]Eastern North Carolina is done for the season, but it looks like New Jersey is getting into the game. Fields are still being harvested in Georgia, so we need to continue monitoring the quality.
Greens
[email protected]Greens are in good supply out of the Carolinas. The northern regions like Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, and the Northeast have also begun. Look for great quality in all areas with promotable volume. There are deals to be had! See your Robinson Fresh account manager today!
Leaf Lettuce
[email protected]Leaf lettuce supply is improving out of California as Salinas and Santa Maria production continues to build, while regional programs in the Midwest and New Jersey are beginning to add supplemental volume. Mexico remains active in romaine, particularly on hearts, helping support overall availability. Markets are holding a firm tone, with romaine still experiencing the most pressure due to variable yields and sizing. Quality is trending better but remains inconsistent at times, with lighter weights and occasional shelf life concerns. Short-term operational impacts such as prorates or substitutions may still occur. Over the next two weeks, supply is expected to gradually stabilize as regional production strengthens; though, the market will remain sensitive to weather and field conditions.
Squash
[email protected]Squash season is open for business as local deals start to harvest steady volume. There is still a little bit of Georgia product but on the way out for sure.
Sweet Corn
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Insights to Action
Get the latest insights in retail activations and commodity trends!
Conventional Fruits
Apples
We are now in the heart of the storage crop season as well as the heart of the import season. The storage crop is smaller than last year and therefore many varieties and packs are tighter than last year. As a result, we are seeing a rising market on many varieties, sizes, and packs, and this trend is expected to continue until the new crop starts in August. The most significant item that is down this year is the Gala apples. The latest storage report shows that inventory is down over 20% from last year. This item has really tightened up in the last couple of months, and prices are very high for this time of year. Expect Gala availability and pricing to continue to be tight as there is no relief in sight. The other top varieties that are short this year are the Honeycrisp, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Cosmic Crisp. Overall, we are left with a smaller crop than expected and rising prices. With that said, we still have apples to sell, and we need to maximize whatever opportunities present themselves. Import apples will also give us some relief as we begin to get steadily increasing supplies each week. Although we don’t expect the import crop to lower prices, we are hoping that it stabilizes prices over the next couple of months. The new crop starts in a small way on limited varieties in August, so let’s cross our fingers that we have a robust crop this fall.
Avocados
Texas is the main loading location for Mexican avocados. 70/84s are somewhat tight with larger sizes plentiful. Old crop is transitioning to new crop. California fruit is also available, heavy to larger sizing. Offshore fruit from Peru is now arriving with mostly 48/60s.
Bush Berries
[email protected]Blueberries
Demand continues to outpace available supply, keeping the FOB market volatile. Quality concerns persist as Georgia and North Carolina conclude their seasons. Excessive heat and rainfall have negatively impacted both yields and fruit quality, contributing to ongoing supply constraints. New Jersey production has begun; however, the season is expected to be relatively short, weather dependent. Pacific Northwest harvests have started, with good quality reported. Fruit is now being shipped into California for loading, which should help improve overall availability as volumes increase.
Raspberries
California production is expected to increase over the coming weeks, improving overall availability. Several growers will maintain production in Central Mexico throughout the California season, providing a diversified supply base and helping meet stronger demand. Quality is showing improvement, although some reports of soft fruit and leaking berries continue to surface.
Blackberries
Markets remain steady, with tiered pricing based on growing and loading regions. Product is currently available from California, Texas, and North Carolina. Overall domestic quality is good, with only limited quality concerns being reported from Central Mexico.
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupes remain in a demand exceeds supply situation. Yuma crop finished early due to disease pressure, and we are waiting on Central California production to ramp up. Expect supply to remain tight through the Fourth of July.
Citrus
Oranges
- California Navels: Remaining navel crop is primarily producing large choice-grade fruit, with peak supply on 56/48/72 counts. Smaller sizes (88/113/138 counts) will remain limited through the end of the season. As overall quality begins to show some pressure and supply winds down, growers with late-lane navels are actively harvesting. These late-season navels are expected to support supply through most of June at a premium. Most growers will finish in June, with some larger growers extending into July.
- California Valencias: Harvests have slowed following the conclusion of school program demand. Production is expected to ramp back up as navel volume winds down later this month. Smaller sizes (113/138 counts) remain tight and continue to command a premium, as the broader orange market is short on these sizes. Overall sizing is expected to skew larger this season, similar to the early navel crop.
- Import Navels: First arrivals of South African navels have landed with limited early availability, while Chilean fruit is expected to begin arriving the first week of July. Sizing this season is projected to be well balanced, with peak volume on 64/72 counts. Overall volume should continue to ramp up through July following the marketing order period.
- Import Caras: Chilean supply is trending earlier than last season, with good overall volumes projected. First arrivals are expected early July, with South African product expected to follow mid- to late-July.
- California Lemons: District 1 has wrapped up, leaving District 2 as the primary production region. Markets remain active, driven by strong demand and limited supply. District 2 fruit is predominantly choice grade, with peak sizing on 75/95 counts; smaller sizes remain tight. Market conditions are expected to stay firm into the summer import season.
- Import Lemons: Argentinian and Chilean lemons have begun arriving, with a large portion already committed to contracts. Early-season fruit quality is fair, with some expected greening. The import season is projected to mirror last year—limited availability and a competitive market. Continued demand from global markets is constraining supply, reducing export volumes to the U.S..
- California Grapefruit: Star Ruby and Red Flame varieties are currently being harvested. No major quality concerns are reported, and supply is strong across all sizes.
- Import Grapefruit: First arrivals of South African product are here with excellent quality reported. Overall volume to the U.S. is expected to be down compared to last year, as last season saw elevated shipments compared to typical seasons.
Mandarins
- Import Mandarins: Limited volumes from Uruguay, Peru, Chile, and South Africa are now available, primarily clementine and primosole varieties. Due to the shortened California season, the import market is expected to be active until July, when supply volume ramps up out of Chile and South Africa.
Grapes
Supplies will remain limited through this week ouf of California but should increase quickly as more growers reach full production by the week of June 29th. Most retailers are transitioning from Mexico to California, supporting a firm market to start. Early reports indicate excellent quality and condition. Mexican supply is still available in very limited supply with most shippers wrapping up the end of this week out of Nogales.
Honeydew
Honeydew supply remains extremely tight. Production out of Yuma wrapped up early due to disease pressure, and honeydews out of Northern Mexico are winding down. Waiting on the new district in Central California to ramp up in production to bring better supplies.
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 is changing rapidly so please contact the lime team for more information regarding pricing.
Sizing Profile:
Peak sizes 175/150/200; size distribution: 110-10%, 150-19%, 175-24%, 200-19%, 230-17%, and 250-11%.
Quality:
Fruit may be susceptible to burn damage associated with manual handling (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.
Looking Ahead:
By early July, a substantial volume of fruit production can be observed throughout the orchards. By mid-July, a substantial level of fruit production is anticipated, with fruit sizes expected to vary throughout the harvest period.
Mangos
We are on week 26 and we are starting to see supply decrease as Michoacan finishes their season. Nayarit/Southern Sinaloa has another 2-3 weeks of red mango supply and 1, maybe 2, more weeks of honey mangos. Los Mochis is shipping honey mangos and has another week before they wrap up and move into Kents starting the first week of July. Field prices have already increased and are expected to keep increasing as we get further into the season.
Quality reports out of Nayarit and Southern Sinaloa indicate external blemishes and advance maturity, with honeys showing the same external blemishes and higher color.
Papaya
SUPPLY MEETING DEMAND FOR PAPAYA IN THE USA MARKET.
Supply conditions are stable with enough supply crossing to service demand. Yields and quality are improving with an internal market competing against exports. Market is stable with similar volume arriving this week into the USA. Supply for at least the next two weeks for papaya production is expected to be sufficient with good quality and good harvest conditions. Prices similar in the U.S. market and should remain stable through June.
Inventories are showing less availability to offer.
Majority of sizes are between 6–12s, with some surplus fruit.
Quality is reported as good with shorter shell life, stem issues, and lower color.
Color 25%- 50% / 12-14 brix at point of shipping. The ideal temperature for Imperial papaya is 48 degrees to avoid quality issues upon receiving.
Crop Outlook: Forecast has conditions for less supply for the next two weeks.
Market Intel: Just enough supply to service demand.
Fruit Condition: Some speckling and some scarring, with mostly clean skin.
Pears
We are now shipping pears from Oregon and Washington State, where we are loading Anjou pears and red pears. Overall, the Anjou and red pears are projected to be year-round this year and will be promotable through July. The Bartletts and Bosc pears have finished out of the Northwest and there are now new-crop imports from Argentina and Chile that are available on the East Coast. Pricing and quality are both attractive on these varieties and we expect them to remain promotable for the next month. We are anxiously awaiting the new-crop Bartletts and Bosc to start up out of California this year. This crop is expected to arrive a little earlier than normal and we may be loading new crop Bartletts out of California as early as July 10th this year. The crop is expected to be a good but slightly smaller than last year’s crop.
Pineapple
Supply Meeting Demand in U.S. Market.
- Supply: Much less volume being exported out of Mexico with growers starting to see yields coming down as they get closer to the summer gap. Supply is stable out of Costa Rica with good volumes still expected for June as natural peak has passed and a significant reduction in volume is expected for week 31. Some availability of fruit in the USA market with both 6s and 7s selling at the same prices week over week. Supply conditions are expected to remain stable for the next three weeks for both Costa Rica and Mexico.
- Quality: MEXICO - Fruit quality is good with slightly lower brix with some availability in the market. COSTA RICA - Stable volume and good quality at packing. Good quality fruit is being exported to both the U.S. and European Union.
- Market: Market is stable with good overall demand and plenty of availability on 6s and 7s. Transportation out of Mexico is stable but costs remain high due to increases in fuel costs.
- Forecast: Strong demand remains. Less surplus fruit is being offered at USA shipping points by large grower/shippers at this time. Market is higher versus last week.
Strawberries
This week, the FOB market remains soft, with ample availability and spot deals frequently being offered at single-digit levels. Despite the abundant supply, growers continue to face significant challenges in meeting fresh-market quality standards at the field level. Persistent heat across California growing regions has driven pack-out volumes well above initial projections, resulting in inventory levels that remain well aligned with current demand. However, fruit quality has deteriorated, with overripe fruit, thin skin, small sizing, mold, and decay becoming increasingly common. These quality issues are largely attributable to the unstable weather patterns experienced over the past three months, which have adversely affected crop development, fruit integrity, and harvest conditions throughout the growing season.
FOB markets are expected to stabilize late June/early July as retailers begin positioning inventories to support demand for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday and growers re-gain control of production schedules
• Oxnard – Production in this Southern California region is expected to conclude within the next week.
• Santa Maria – Yields remain moderate. The East Side District continues to phase out rapidly as the transition to the West Side progresses, positioning the region for the next production cycle.
• Salinas/Watsonville – A production surge over the weekend pushed yields beyond projections, increasing overall availability. Growers continue to manage field performance closely to maximize fresh-market quality amid ongoing challenges.
Watermelon
Watermelons still remain very tight. The recent rains in Georgia are putting us very behind on orders. We will continue to pick up in volume over the next two weeks. We have good supplies on minis for the next couple of weeks out of Georgia as well. North Carolina will start in a couple of weeks. Texas also got rain and we are shipping light supplies. Casa Grande, Arizona, and Southern California are winding down on supplies. Pattison, California will start at the end of the week. Supplies will continue to be tight for the next 2-3 weeks.
Organic Fruits & Vegetables
Organic Apples
[email protected]We are shipping organic Gala, Honeycrisp, Cosmic Crisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady apples out of Washington State. Overall, the organic apple crop is mirroring the conventional crop on both quality and size. The tightest varieties are the organic Gala and the organic Honeycrisp. Recently, the markets have been tightening on most varieties, and prices have been increasing as a result. Expect this trend to continue over the next couple of months. We expect to have supplies into the summer this season on most varieties. Imports from Argentina and Chile are now arriving at eastern U.S. ports in a small way. This welcome new supply should help to stabilize the price over the next month.
Organic Citrus
[email protected]The California organic citrus market is undergoing a pronounced summer transition, marked by a critical squeeze on lemons and a robust seasonal pivot to Valencia oranges. Overall, organic citrus continues to be a massive growth category, with sales surging 18.1% year-over-year as retail demand expands rapidly.
Organic Dry Vegetables
[email protected]The market for organic bell peppers and soft summer squash is stabilizing with excellent quality as seasonal crops successfully transition to summer production hubs. After navigating tighter spring supplies and elevated pricing, increased regional volume has arrived to ease costs and provide promotable opportunities on retail shelves
Organic Melons
[email protected]Organic minis will start this week in a light way out of Pattison, California. We will have supplies into October. e.
Organic Onions
[email protected]The California organic dry onion market is experiencing a highly stable summer season with excellent crop quality and steady terminal pricing. Production has successfully transitioned out of the Southern California desert regions and is now heavily active in the San Joaquin Valley and Central California. Our onions coming from Hollister, California are looking great. Supply is strong on both red and yellow jumbo onions.
Organic Pears
[email protected]The California organic dry onion market is experiencing a highly stable summer season with excellent crop quality and steady terminal pricing. Production has successfully transitioned out of the Southern California desert regions and is now heavily active in the San Joaquin Valley and Central California. Our onions coming from Hollister, California are looking great. Supply is strong on both red and yellow jumbo onions.
Organic Potatoes
[email protected]The California organic potato market is experiencing exceptional demand, robust volume, and steady summer pricing as fresh-run harvesting hits its peak. California continues to dominate the organic space, representing roughly 17% of the total U.S. organic potato market. Driven by a broader nationwide boom that has pushed potatoes to the number 6 top-selling organic produce item, the current season reflects strong retail momentum and clean field quality.
Organic Squash
[email protected]The dry vegetable market is currently transitioning. Mexico’s winter supply is winding down, forcing a reliance on escalating summer harvests across Central California and the mid-Atlantic. Organic bell peppers, hot peppers, and summer squash are moving into peak domestic volumes.
Organic Sweet Potatoes
[email protected]The California organic sweet potato market is experiencing a firm upward pricing trend as inventories tighten ahead of the upcoming late-summer harvest. California is the dominant player in this space, partnering with North Carolina to supply roughly 91% of all U.S. organic sweet potatoes. Due to the state’s dry summer climate and sandy riverbed soils, California shippers face fewer pest pressures, allowing them to grow organics far more reliably and profitably than other regions.
Transportation
REFRIGERATED TRUCKLOAD
East Coast United States
Refrigerated 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.
Capacity across the Southeast is tight, and remains sensitive to short-term demand spikes, particularly in produce-heavy corridors. Georgia, particularly, continues to experience tightening tied to residual produce movement, which can create pockets of elevated outbound pricing. Capacity is improving for outbound Northeast loads, while rates slowly begin to normalize as backlogs of freight are being worked through.
Execution dynamics continue to favor well-structured freight. Loads with consistent schedules, minimal handling requirements, and ample lead time are covered efficiently, while expedited or same-day tenders face more variability in both cost and available capacity. This reflects a market that is stable on the surface but still requires disciplined planning to avoid disruption.
As June progresses, East Coast markets are expected to remain bifurcated due to the seasonal harvest. Overall, capacity is available, but pricing and flexibility are becoming more critical to securing it, especially in Southeast produce markets and where there’s an imbalance in return freight.
Central United States
Refrigerated market conditions across the Mid-North have shown some easing following Roadcheck Week, with activity returning closer to seasonal norms. At this stage, no immediate large-scale disruptions are expected outside of typical holiday-driven surges, suggesting a more stable short-term environment across these lanes.
In contrast, Texas continues to experience elevated rates and tighter capacity conditions. Markets in the region remain highly competitive, driven by a combination of produce shipping, cross-border dynamics, and overall supply constraints. As a result, the market is operating with limited room for inefficiency.
Overall, Texas continues to be the most disrupted and elevated refrigerated market in the region on a year-over-year basis. While conditions elsewhere have begun to normalize, Texas remains a focal point for tight capacity, elevated pricing, and ongoing volatility—making it a key area for shippers to monitor as peak produce and beverage seasons progress.
Shipment characteristics are also playing a larger role in execution. Straight-through freight with minimal handling requirements is securing capacity more quickly, while shipments with added complexity—such as multiple pickups or deliveries—are seeing disproportionately higher costs and longer lead times to cover. This divergence is becoming more pronounced as carriers prioritize efficiency and asset utilization.
West Coast 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.
As June progresses, some modest easing from peak holiday pricing is expected. However, any downward movement is likely to be limited. Backlogs created during the recent surge are still working their way through the system, which is delaying meaningful cost normalization. This dynamic could push out any significant relief until after the July 4th shipping cycle, which typically begins to build momentum in the back half of June.
From a regional and commodity perspective, several key produce-driven factors continue to shape market conditions:
• 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.
Across most Western markets, capacity is technically available, but access is increasingly linked to price. In practical terms, trucks are available but often at a premium, particularly for short lead-time or high-demand freight. This dynamic is contributing to higher instances of route guide failure, as contract rates lag current market conditions and more freight is pushed into the spot market.
GLOBAL UPDATES
OCEAN TRENDS - Global Ocean networks remain structurally constrained, driven by ongoing conflict in the Middle East rather than demand growth. Most major carriers continue to avoid the Red Sea/Suez Canal, routing Asia–Europe and Asia–U.S. East Coast services around the Cape of Good Hope, adding approximately 10–14 days transit time and absorbing effective vessel capacity. Tightened vessel cycles, elevated bunker costs, and persistent blank sailings are limiting schedule flexibility even as overall demand remains soft to stable post–Lunar New Year. Carriers continue to manage capacity actively, resulting in inconsistent space availability and shorter rate validity windows despite largely stable base rates. Reefer demand remains resilient, particularly from Latin America, with equipment imbalances persisting through peak produce season.
TARIFF IMPACTS - On February 20, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) provides no authority for imposing tariffs, voiding all IEEPA-based tariffs as of February 24, 2026. The U.S. Government responded by imposing Section 122 tariffs, which is a broad, general, 10% tariff on all USA imports, with the exception of USMCA qualifying goods from Canada and Mexico, and the maintained “Tropical” produce exemption on produce not grown in substantial quantities in the USA (avocados, limes, mangos, pineapples, oranges, etc.). Section 301 Tariffs are anticipated – Robinson Fresh anticipates that, even after the Section 122 10% surcharge expires in late July 2026, U.S. tariff measures will likely continue, but in a more targeted, country-by-country form. The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has already initiated multiple Section 301 investigations (trade reviews) covering numerous countries and unfair trade practices. These ongoing Section 301 reviews – including probes into areas like excess manufacturing capacity and forced labor policies across dozens of economies – are widely expected to culminate in new, long-term tariffs or other trade actions tailored to specific countries. In other words, a return to country-specific U.S. tariff rates is likely soon, potentially with higher rates (above 10%) on certain countries or products, based on USTR’s findings.
DEMURRAGE/DETENTION CHARGES - Following a D.C. Circuit decision on September 23, 2025, the Federal Maritime Commission removed 46 CFR 541.4 (the "properly issued invoices" provision) from its Demurrage and Detention Billing Requirements. All other requirements remain in effect (invoice data elements, 30-day issuance deadline, and dispute windows).
REGULATORY & COMPLIANCE LANDSCAPE - FDA updated its General Food Labeling Compliance Program (CP 7321.005) to align inspections with current allergen and labeling rules. Separately, FSMA 204 (Food Traceability Rule) compliance was proposed to be extended and Congress directed the FDA not to enforce the rule before July 20, 2028; however, many retailers are already requiring end-to-end traceability across broader product sets and faster timelines than FDA’s baseline.
ISPM-15 WOOD PACKAGING PROTOCOLS (UPDATED 2026) - Effective January 1, 2026, APHIS and CBP resumed full enforcement of the ISPM-15 hyphen requirement in the IPPC mark (hyphen between country code and producer code). No soft enforcement period was provided. Noncompliant WPM may be held, re-exported, or penalized.
Although many carriers hold firm with their original EBS rates, there have been multiple carriers that have published upcoming decreased rates to take effect late June 2026.
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. We might see little increase in volume for 4th of July but not enough to create an impact on the supply chains. Both availability and air capacity from the farms are adequate. Inland transportation will probably get a spike in cost as we get closer to the 4th of July holiday.