Spokane Produce

July 15, 2026

Market News

Warm and humid weather is driving the story in the Salinas Valley this week.
These temperatures may not look extreme compared to other parts of the
country, but our valley is not built for warm, sticky weather. When humidity
hangs around and daytime highs climb, quality issues show up quickly in row
crops and berries.
Excellent supplies of lettuce and leaf are in the forecast, but internal burn is
starting to show up in some lots. Packers can trim outer leaves at harvest to
clean up visible defects, but burn deeper inside the head is much harder to sort
out, especially on iceberg and romaine. Baby leaf items remain in good supply
overall, with spring mix, spinach, arugula, and baby kale showing healthy color,
texture, and sizing. Shelf life will need to be watched closely as humidity stays in
the forecast.
Strawberries are feeling the heat. Salinas and Watsonville are seeing smaller
berry sizing, overripe fruit, and excessive bruising tied to the warm, humid
conditions. Crews are working to keep the pack clean, but some of these issues
will be more present after arrival than at shipping. Reduced shelf life should be
expected. Santa Maria is dealing with similar weather and quality challenges.
Higher freezer demand is giving growers another outlet, which is helping keep
the fresh market firm.
Blueberry supplies are moving in the opposite direction. Oregon and Washington
are producing good volume, and Michigan will continue increasing over the next
several weeks after a slower, weather-affected start. New Jersey is still
producing light volume. Markets are trending lower as supply improves across
multiple regions.
Blackberries remain one of the more limited berry items. The industry is still
working through planting and transition gaps, with relief expected in early
August as Mexico, Oregon, and California’s Central Coast increase volume.
Demand is outpacing supply, and markets remain elevated. Raspberry supplies
are improving as additional fruit comes out of Baja, and markets are softening.
Melons are finally turning the corner, especially on cantaloupe. Production out
of Firebaugh and the broader Westside is picking up, and the market has
started to settle from the record highs seen over the past few weeks. New
fields are producing very good quality, with a straw-colored external
appearance, strong flavor, and a larger sizing profile. Cantaloupe supplies will
remain stronger for the foreseeable future, but smaller melons will remain
limited and carry a premium.
Honeydews are improving a bit more slowly. Production is increasing, but the
pipeline has been empty long enough that pricing is still elevated. Sizing is
peaking on 5s, with smaller honeydews much harder to come by. Quality has
been very good, with clean external appearance and strong brix levels.
It is the dog days of summer, and there is still no better way to enjoy it than
with a fresh salad. Lettuce and leaf supplies are strong, but quicker turns will
be important as heat and humidity keep shelf life in focus. Melons are
improving, berries are moving in different directions, and schools will be back
in session before we know it.

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