Spokane Produce

July 1, 2026

Market News

Lettuce markets continue to trend lower as supplies improve across California
and regional production ramps up. Iceberg, romaine, and green leaf should
remain under pressure through July. Quality is very good overall, but carton
weights are running lighter as crews trim additional outer leaves to manage
elevated insect pressure.
Berry markets are mixed as the industry works through weather and regional
transitions. Strawberries remain steady in Salinas and Watsonville. Cooler
days and nights are helping plants recover and fruit firm up, but they are also
keeping production from increasing. Most growers are harvesting close to
current demand, although some open market fruit may become more
available as holiday demand tapers off. Santa Maria continues its seasonal
decline, with new late-summer acreage expected to begin producing within
the next few weeks.
Blueberries remain limited. Central Mexico has finished, Pacific Northwest
production is starting slowly, and recent rain has interrupted some harvests.
Michigan has also started in a light way while dealing with high temperatures.
Blackberry and raspberry supplies are tighter as Mexican volume declines
faster than California can increase. Demand is exceeding supply on both
items, and those markets are expected to remain elevated until additional
West Coast production comes online.
Idaho russet potato supplies continue to tighten as quality declines. The
unusually warm winter accelerated pressure bruising and early breakdown,
causing pack-outs to fall faster than expected. Larger potatoes are being
affected the most. Keeping inventories tighter and turning product every one
to two weeks will be important until new crop becomes available in mid-
August.
The latest acreage estimate places Idaho at roughly 300,000 planted acres,
about 5% below last year. The upcoming crop has also dealt with frost in some
areas, limited irrigation water, and warmer temperatures as the season moves
forward. Uneven growing conditions can increase the risk of internal defects
such as hollow heart, particularly if tubers move from stress into a period of
rapid growth, but it is still too early to determine the effect on the finished
crop.
Overall, lettuce is finally providing some relief, but berries and potatoes are
getting more attention this week. Lead time, tighter inventory turns, and
flexibility on size and growing region will be the biggest help in keeping orders
covered.

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