Spokane Produce

December 3, 2025

Market News

We're not off to the smooth start we were hopeful for post-Thanksgiving. Load times in
Yuma remain long as growers work through muddy fields and backed-up harvest
schedules. Crews are doing everything they can to catch up, but customers should still
expect delays at the cooler and a slower turn on trucks through early next week. The good
news: product quality is improving every day, and weights are trending upward as the
fields dry out and temperatures stabilize.
On the lettuce front, desert iceberg, romaine, and green leaf are all showing stronger
quality than in recent weeks. There are still some fringe burn and scattered mildew
pockets being trimmed out in the field, but overall quality is above average for early
December. As production ramps up, we're seeing some markets are easing, and we should
see more consistent availability through the remainder of the month. Brussels sprouts
and green onions remain the tightest commodities, with supplies expected to improve
late December.
The rains across the Central Valley pushed California navel sizing heavier, with the crop
now peaking on 88 count. Small fruit is available, but expect larger sizes to dominate as
we move deeper into winter and continue into Valencia season next summer. Early navels
are eating well and color will continue to improve as nighttime temperatures drop.
District 3, the desert region, Coachella and Imperial Valleys, are rolling with strong lemon
volume, and will remain the primary region through February. District 1, the central valley
region, has started in a small way and will pick up momentum heading into January.
Meyer lemons and seedless varieties are also available with solid supply. Grapefruit is
trickling in from the desert, and California mandarins are beginning their season with peak
sizes in the 32/36 range. Cara Caras early blood orange are starting their first full week of
production. Supplies are light but improving.
The berry situation is improving, but not as quickly as we would like. California is still
struggling to recover and harvest has been minimal in Oxnard. Growers are holding off
until fruit colors up and field conditions become workable. Mexico is increasing volume
into South Texas, though white shoulders and bruising remain common. Baja has just
begun crossing after delays last week. Florida production is climbing steadily, but cooler
weather is slowing maturity there as well. Overall, supplies will improve through mid-
December, but markets will stay elevated until more volume fills the pipeline from Mexico
and Florida.

July 20, 2023

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