Spokane Produce

June 3, 2026

Market News

Romaine and romaine hearts remain the main focus this week as supplies continue to
tighten across the Salinas Valley. Markets have moved higher over the past two weeks and
are expected to remain elevated into mid-June, at minimum. Disease pressure, uneven
stands, and recent weather interruptions are all reducing harvestable yields and keeping
availability limited.
Romaine production is being impacted by a combination of soil-borne disease, INSV
pressure, and inconsistent field development. Sclerotinia and Verticillium are showing up
in several growing areas, creating plant loss and lowering field productivity. INSV also
remains a concern, with thrips activity spreading the virus and leaving affected plants
unharvestable. Growers are also seeing uneven stands tied back to the extreme heat in
March, followed by cooler weather and rainfall through April. The result is less usable
acreage, lighter yields, and continued pressure on both romaine and romaine heart
supplies.
Iceberg has also reversed course and is moving higher as disease pressure increases. INSV,
Sclerotinia, internal burn, and mildew are all contributing to lower yields in current fields.
Quality remains fair to good overall, but the issue is how much product can be harvested
and packed. Green leaf remains limited as well. Mexico is tapering off as it moves into its
lower-volume summer window, while regional programs in the Midwest, Northeast, and
Canada should begin adding supply through June. Until those programs build meaningful
volume, lettuce markets are expected to stay active.
Strawberry supplies remain limited due to cooler weather and recent rainfall across the
main production areas. Harvest crews are expected to slow as fields require some cleanup
and culling following the rain. Salinas and Watsonville have not yet reached full
production due to the prolonged cold pattern, but plants are showing good vigor with
plenty of green to light red fruit. A slight warming trend next week should help improve
output. Santa Maria is beginning its seasonal decline, with the strongest quality still
coming from west-side fields.
Blueberry supplies remain in good shape across California, Central Mexico, North Carolina,
and Georgia, with Oregon and Washington expected to begin contributing soon. Blackberry
and raspberry production remains steady out of Central Mexico and California, with lighter
demand helping keep those markets manageable.
Lime production is increasing, and the market has softened with more fruit becoming
available. That said, large sizes remain a smaller percentage of the crop. Consistent rain is in
the forecast and could interrupt harvests this week, which may keep pricing near current
levels. If rainfall is lighter than expected, the market could continue to ease. Tabasco
volume has increased, but that fruit has been more affected by recent heat. Veracruz
remains the preferred region for better quality.
Avocado markets have started to settle after last week’s sharp spike. As pricing climbed,
picking increased to chase the stronger market, and that fruit now needs to move through
the supply chain. The market may continue to adjust if supply and demand find a better
balance, but suppliers are expected to manage harvests closely to support pricing where
they can. Large fruit remains limited, and California will continue to help where available.
Overall, lighter school demand should help ease some pressure, but it will not be enough to
fully offset reduced yields in romaine, romaine hearts, iceberg, and strawberries. Lead time
and flexibility will remain the biggest help in fulfilling orders as we work through this
stretch. Regional lettuce programs, warmer weather, and improving production will bring
some relief later in June, but the next few weeks will still require close attention.

July 20, 2023

Featured Conventional Flyer

Featured conventional produce.

July 20, 2023

Featured Conventional Flyer 2

Featured conventional produce.

July 20, 2023

Feature Organic Flyer

Feature organic produce.

February 22, 2023

Feature Organic Flyer 2

Feature organic produce.