Spokane Produce

June 17, 2026

Market News

The lettuce market remains one of the most challenging supply situations the
industry has seen in years. Iceberg, romaine, and romaine hearts have all been
under pressure for an extended stretch, with historically elevated markets
lasting longer than normal. Harvestable yields across the Salinas Valley
continue to be impacted by soil-borne disease, INSV pressure, and weather-
related stress, which has reduced field productivity and kept carton
availability below normal.
While supplies remain tight across all lettuce categories, there are signs that
romaine and romaine hearts have reached the peak of the market. We expect
these markets to begin a gradual correction over the coming weeks as
supplies slowly improve. Romaine and romaine hearts remains limited, but
some production is beginning to improve, which has created some downward
movement in pricing. Even with these early signs of relief, demand continues
to exceed available supply across much of the industry, and spot
opportunities can still be difficult to secure.
The cantaloupe market is moving through a major supply gap. The Yuma
season started early due to above-normal temperatures during the growing
cycle, but those same conditions allowed whitefly and virus pressure to build
and spread through later fields. As a result, late acreage has seen lower yields,
weaker plants, and a much smaller size profile. Jumbo fruit is essentially
unavailable, 9ct fruit is extremely limited, and most of the remaining
production is leaning toward 12s and 15s. Yuma is finishing earlier than
expected, and California production is not expected to bring meaningful relief
until early July. Lead time and size flexibility will be key to securing fruit.
Lemons remain elevated, but we are getting closer to relief as imports begin
arriving in early July. District One has wrapped up, and District Two is carrying
the bulk of domestic production. With fewer growers in the district and strong
demand still in place, all sizes remain tight, not just small fruit. Markets are
expected to stay firm through the balance of June. Offshore lemons should
help supplement domestic supply as we move into July, though early arrivals
will likely lean toward larger fruit and carry strong pricing before broader
relief develops.
Idaho russet potato supplies are tightening as storage quality becomes more
of a concern. An unusually warm winter in Idaho has accelerated quality
issues in storage, including pressure bruising, and pack-outs are declining
faster than expected. This has reduced the amount of shippable product and
is putting pressure on larger sizes in particular. Keeping inventories tight and
turning product every one to two weeks will be important until new crop
becomes available.
Looking ahead, new crop potatoes are expected around early August, but
there are concerns beyond the current storage season. Some acreage may
shift into alternative crops, and Idaho water shortages could impact yields for
the next years crop.
We are starting to see some signs of relief in select areas, but availability
remains far from normal. Lead time, tighter inventory management, and
flexibility on sizing and substitutions will be the biggest help in keeping orders
covered as the industry works through these supply gaps.

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