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Regular consumption of red raspberries may help protect and enhance brain function and metabolic processes.
A study conducted by researchers at Tufts University and the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), shows that eating 25 grams of freeze-dried red raspberries can improve post-meal blood sugar responses and benefit brain processes and digestion within hours.
Raspberries are rich in polyphenols, a plant compound known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, and promoting cellular homeostasis. The data show that, thanks to these nutrients, the fruit aids digestive and brain processes after a carb- and fat-heavy meal.
Published in January 2026 in the British Journal of Nutrition and funded by the Washington Red Raspberry Commission, the study looked into the effects of adding 25 grams of freeze-dried red raspberry powder to the diets of 36 adults aged 50 to 70. The goal was to see if a single serving could spark improvements in metabolism and brainpower after meals.
Blood tests confirmed that including red raspberries made a noticeable impact. The group that consumed the fruit experienced an eight percent reduction in peak glucose and a lower insulin response than the control group.
The cohort also performed better on standardized cognitive tests within hours of consuming the raspberry powder, and blood samples showed reduced neuroinflammatory responses. The latter suggests a potential protective effect on the brain, which could have a positive effect later in life as the risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases increases.
Britt Burton-Freeman, the study’s lead researcher and Director of the Center for Nutrition Research at the IIT, says consuming these berries regularly may have a long-lasting positive effect in health and wellbeing.
“As we age, maintaining healthy blood sugar and cognitive function becomes increasingly important,” she explains. “These results show that adding red raspberries into your daily diet may have some metabolic and cognitive benefits that are important to all of us as we age.”
Remarkably, the study also shows that benefits are immediate, kicking in only after one raspberry-infused meal.
In a press release announcing the findings, the Washington Red Raspberry Commission recognized that, given the size of the studied cohort, further research and longer-term trials are needed to confirm these results. However, the organization celebrated the results, as they add to growing knowledge on raspberry benefits and how incorporating the fruit can help support consumers’ health.
Less than a month after its first season estimate, Northwest Cherries has revised its forecast for the 2026 season down. The latest figure points to up to 19.2 million 20-pound boxes, representing a 12 percent decrease compared to initial projections.
In a press release, the industry body cited unusual weather conditions as the cause of the revision.
“The early spring frost events across the growing region required additional time to fully evaluate fruit set and assess the extent of any damage,” the statement reads. “Growers and field teams have spent the past several weeks monitoring orchards closely to determine what was held on the trees and where the crop estimate would come out.”
Changing weather patterns have also thrown the region’s usual timeline off balance. Harvest is expected to begin slightly earlier than normal in the last week of May, with a slower ramp-up that will make promotable volumes available by mid-June. The first major volume peak should arrive around June 25, followed by another strong one during the second week of July.
Unfortunately, that’s not the end of the region’s weather woes, as high temperatures over the last few weeks have accelerated crop development and pushed later-season fruit forward. This, the association explains, is creating expectations for an early harvest window across all districts.
But despite the weather and the lower crop estimate, local growers remain optimistic.
“The crop outlook continues to improve, the fruit sizing is excellent, and this is shaping up to be a high-quality, promotable crop,” reads the document.
Northwest Cherries emphasized that the latest forecast coincides with the region’s five-year average, and the season’s rhythm is shaping up as usual, with shipments tapering by early August.
California Cherries
According to the California Cherry Board, as of May 13, the state has shipped 3,501,758 (18lb equivalent) boxes.
Challenging weather conditions, including unseasonal rains and early warm temperatures at the beginning of the spring, have significantly impacted the crop. The industry is now expecting a shorter season than originally anticipated, with total shipments finishing between four and five million boxes.
Applewood Fresh, a Sparta, Michigan-based apple grower, packer, and shipper operating under parent company FirstFruits Farms, announced a new strategic sales partnership with Belding Fruit Storage, Inc. of Belding, Michigan. Through the partnership, Applewood Fresh will serve as the sales and marketing function for Belding Fruit’s apple program, further strengthening supply capabilities and customer support throughout the Midwest and East Coast.
Belding Fruit Storage, Inc. operates one of the largest apple storage facilities in the eastern United States, with storage capacity exceeding one-half million bushels. The partnership brings together two long-standing Michigan apple organizations with shared commitments to quality, service, and strategic partnerships.
“This partnership is an exciting opportunity to strengthen our presence in the marketplace as a multi-regional supply entity,” said Lon Hudson, national sales director of FirstFruits.
The expanded program will offer customers access to a robust lineup of conventional, core, and high-flavor apple varieties, including Honeycrisp, EverCrisp, SweeTango, Fuji, Gala, and Red Delicious, among others. The partnership also enhances the companies’ ability to offer stronger volumes and an extended shipping season.
“We are excited about this partnership and the opportunity to serve as the sales function for Belding’s group of generational growers and experienced staff,” said Scott Morrison, general manager of Applewood Fresh. “Partnering with them strengthens our supply chain with additional supply, capacity, storage, and cross-docking opportunities. Additionally, access to fruit grown in other regions of the state will help mitigate seasonal weather fluctuations.”
“This partnership represents an important step forward for Belding Fruit Storage and our growers. By aligning our storage and packing capabilities with Applewood Fresh’s sales expertise, we are creating a stronger, more focused path to market for Michigan apples.” said Curt Norberg, president Belding Fruit Storage.
Together, the companies aim to strengthen partnerships through expanded regional supply, increased flexibility, and collaborative planning designed to drive long-term category growth.
PUNTA GORDA, FL — Melon 1 officially launches its 2026 domestic watermelon season with strong early harvests underway in Florida and an expanded growing program that will continue moving up the East Coast and into key Midwest regions throughout the summer, according to a press release by the company, based on the Brooklyn (NY) Terminal Market.
This season, Melon 1 is growing a diverse mix of watermelon varieties including seedless, seeded, yellow watermelons, and specialty Black Jacks. Harvesting began in Florida in May and will continue through June, with Georgia harvests expected to begin in early June and run through the end of July.
Additional regional production will then follow along the East Coast throughout the summer season across South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky, and Indiana, supporting consistent summer supply and ongoing distribution.
The company reports strong early yields and high-quality fruit coming out of the fields as retailers prepare for peak summer watermelon demand heading into Memorial Day and the broader summer selling season. Florida-grown watermelons are already arriving at retail locations across the East Coast, Midwest, and Canada as consumer demand continues to build.
“The crop looks excellent, and we’re seeing strong yields coming out of the fields,” said Trey Miller, Chief Operating Officer of Melon 1.
California and blueberry shipments are now in peak volume following the start of the season in early May.
Gourmet Trading Company of Redondo Beach, CA reports the West Coast is now the primary supplier of blues as Georgia and the Southeast are also loading, but experienced weather problems affecting volume.
Strong movement should continue through Father’s Day (June 21) with the strongest shipping window lasting for about a month. Then the season will continue through July, but supply will depend on variety and growing district.
The importer/exporter/shipper notes California is in a good position to provide a strong bridge into the Pacific Northwest blueberry season.
California fruit is producing excellent quality, with firmness, shelf-life and flavor.
Gourmet Trading company ships both conventional and organic blueberries to major retail, wholesale, and foodservice channels throughout North America.
A handful of these new Florida University modified tomatoes a day could help you easily reach your recommended daily vitamin A intake.
Researchers at the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences introduced the CCS gene, found in peppers and involved in carotenoid biosynthesis, into tomatoes to increase beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.
Carotenoids are plant pigments responsible for yellow, orange, and red colors.
The research was published in March 2026 in the Oxford University Press journal Plant Physiology, and, according to the lead researcher and UF/IFAS Professor in the Horticultural Sciences Department, Bala Rathinasabapathi, it was conducted to increase Vitamin A intake worldwide.
The genetic modification resulted in orange tomatoes with over 1,000 micrograms of Retinol Activity Equivalents (RAE), or Vitamin A, 300 percent more than the 150-250 amount found in unmodified tomatoes.
The team introduced the trait into several tomato varieties, including the heirloom Flamme Jaune. All modified tomatoes turned orange, had higher ascorbic acid (vitamin C) levels, lower sugar levels, and, according to the researcher, matched the taste of unmodified tomatoes.
The hybrids were also larger, and the plants produced higher yields than the original varieties.
“The modified fruit turned orange upon ripening, while unmodified tomatoes were bright red,” Rathinasabapathi explains. “This is because the red pigment of the tomato was converted into beta-carotene because of the gene we introduced.”
He says that, in general, tomatoes accumulate lycopene, which gives the fruit its red pigment, but not high levels of beta-carotene.
“We can confidently say our improved tomatoes are nutritionally more valuable than commercially available tomatoes and some of the food materials known for beta-carotene, such as carrots and kale,” he adds.
Tomatoes are the perfect choice for this innovation, he notes, since they are beloved and enjoyed in kitchens around the world.
“Daily consumption of 50 to 100 grams of these tomatoes can efficiently address vitamin A deficiency,” Rathinasabapathi explains. “And when we, the researchers, tasted them, fruit from modified plants was pleasant – slightly less sweet, slightly tarter, and more flavorful compared to fruit from unmodified controls.”
The university highlights that this research aims to combat the rising tide of vitamin A deficiency, a condition that hinders growth, weakens immunity and eyesight, and impacts 345 million people in 79 countries.
Organic melons from the U.S. desert is underway and moving into good volume, according to Discovery Organics, based in Burnaby, BC.
While Mexican growers are concluding their seasons and the U.S. desert season started in early May. This is a little earlier this year due to the heat wave that the California desert had in April.
Production will continue for another three to four weeks before moving to Bakersfield, CA.
Discovery Organics is shipping certified organic watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, galia, hami and Honeysaurus melons. It also has black seedless watermelons.
Meanwhile, Discovery Organics is also starting with U.S. organic nectarines, peaches, apricots and cherries. The season has seen a great start and–like many California commodities–is early, with nectarines and peaches about a week to 10 days ahead of historical starts.
Orange supplies remain extremely limited, particularly for the 113- and 138-count sizes. This tight supply is being felt across all growing regions, and unfortunately, no improvement is expected until the Chilean and South African seasons start in July, according to a press release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Given these ongoing challenges, size and grade substitutions will be necessary to fill orders, with the 138-count oranges presenting the greatest difficulty.
California
- Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials (ESS) Oranges are available
- Overall supplies of 113- and 138-count oranges will be extremely limited through the Valencia season, which runs until October
- Expect to make size and grade substitutions, as well as date changes, to fill orders of small fruit
- Quality is good; sugar levels range from 12-13 Brix
- Expect high markets for small fruit (113- and 138-supplies)
- Mexico
- The Valencia season will end the week of May 25
- Overall supplies of 113- and 138-count oranges are extremely limited
- Expect to make size and grade substitutions, as well as date changes, to fill orders of small fruit
- Quality is good; sugar levels range from 11-13 Brix
- Expect elevated prices as these stocks help fill the void in California
- Florida
- Growers will ship storage fruit through June
- Supplies are dominated by 113-count and larger sizes; 138-count oranges are limited
- Quality is fair; choice and standard grades are most abundant
- Expect steady markets through June
- Imported/Moroccan
- Expect the Moroccan season to end in mid-June
- Vessel delays and holdups from the USDA have further postponed loading schedules
- Valencia quality is very good; sugar levels range from 12-13 Brix
- Stocks are dominated by 113-count and 100-count sizes; 138-count fruit is extremely limited
- Expect elevated markets into mid-June
Imported/South Africa & Chile
- The season will begin in early July
- Current rain events have growers worried about size structure upon arrival into the U.S.
- Supplies are expected to be dominated by 113-count and larger sizes
- Import palletization: 72 cases per pallet, Box weight is 33 pounds (15 KG)
- Domestic palletization: 54 cases per pallet (18 KG), Box weight is 40 pounds
Mexican table grape loadings started about two weeks early this spring and will be ending the season a couple of weeks early as well, according to Pandol Bros. of Delano, CA. Total volume also has been reduced from earlier forecasts.
Sonora Mexico loadings got underway in late April and are predicted to be finished the last half of June. As of May 19 about one-third of the crop had been harvested.
The first 10 to 14 days of the season, product hardly moved as retailers were still selling Chilean grapes. This resulted in very little Mexican product was selling during that time, and inventory started to accumulate at the border in Nogales, AZ Pandol reported. Around May 12 – 15, retailers finally started transitioning and since then, shipping volumes have been normal.
The grower/shipper noted yields have been disappointing and volume estimates have been revised down. The initial pre-season estimate was 18.2 million cartons, down from 22.7 million in 2025. However, revised estimates are in the 15-16 million carton range. Last year, the season was interrupted by rain on June 5, which caused production to drop and forecasts were adjusted downward. This year’s initial estimate was already lower than last year’s post-rain estimate and the revised 2026 estimates are even lower.
The market prefers grapes from Central California’s San Joaquin Valley and is eagerly waiting for the region’s harvest to begin around June 20 – 25, Pandol observes. Overall, Pandol Brothers expects to be finished shipping from Nogales before July 3rd.
Bell pepper shipments are underway from Southern Georgia, and round tomato loadings will begin soon, according to a press release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
- Harvesting of bell peppers began recently in Southern Georgia
- The season will run through July 1
- Production will increase this week
- Quality is very good
- Harvesting of tomatoeswill start in Southern Georgia over the next 10 days
- South Carolina and the Florida Panhandle will begin production on June 1
- Crops in these regions were planted after the Southeastern freeze earlier this year
Regular consumption of red raspberries may help protect and enhance brain function and metabolic processes.
A study conducted by researchers at Tufts University and the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), shows that eating 25 grams of freeze-dried red raspberries can improve post-meal blood sugar responses and benefit brain processes and digestion within hours.
Raspberries are rich in polyphenols, a plant compound known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, and promoting cellular homeostasis. The data show that, thanks to these nutrients, the fruit aids digestive and brain processes after a carb- and fat-heavy meal.
Published in January 2026 in the British Journal of Nutrition and funded by the Washington Red Raspberry Commission, the study looked into the effects of adding 25 grams of freeze-dried red raspberry powder to the diets of 36 adults aged 50 to 70. The goal was to see if a single serving could spark improvements in metabolism and brainpower after meals.
Blood tests confirmed that including red raspberries made a noticeable impact. The group that consumed the fruit experienced an eight percent reduction in peak glucose and a lower insulin response than the control group.
The cohort also performed better on standardized cognitive tests within hours of consuming the raspberry powder, and blood samples showed reduced neuroinflammatory responses. The latter suggests a potential protective effect on the brain, which could have a positive effect later in life as the risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases increases.
Britt Burton-Freeman, the study’s lead researcher and Director of the Center for Nutrition Research at the IIT, says consuming these berries regularly may have a long-lasting positive effect in health and wellbeing.
“As we age, maintaining healthy blood sugar and cognitive function becomes increasingly important,” she explains. “These results show that adding red raspberries into your daily diet may have some metabolic and cognitive benefits that are important to all of us as we age.”
Remarkably, the study also shows that benefits are immediate, kicking in only after one raspberry-infused meal.
In a press release announcing the findings, the Washington Red Raspberry Commission recognized that, given the size of the studied cohort, further research and longer-term trials are needed to confirm these results. However, the organization celebrated the results, as they add to growing knowledge on raspberry benefits and how incorporating the fruit can help support consumers’ health.
Less than a month after its first season estimate, Northwest Cherries has revised its forecast for the 2026 season down. The latest figure points to up to 19.2 million 20-pound boxes, representing a 12 percent decrease compared to initial projections.
In a press release, the industry body cited unusual weather conditions as the cause of the revision.
“The early spring frost events across the growing region required additional time to fully evaluate fruit set and assess the extent of any damage,” the statement reads. “Growers and field teams have spent the past several weeks monitoring orchards closely to determine what was held on the trees and where the crop estimate would come out.”
Changing weather patterns have also thrown the region’s usual timeline off balance. Harvest is expected to begin slightly earlier than normal in the last week of May, with a slower ramp-up that will make promotable volumes available by mid-June. The first major volume peak should arrive around June 25, followed by another strong one during the second week of July.
Unfortunately, that’s not the end of the region’s weather woes, as high temperatures over the last few weeks have accelerated crop development and pushed later-season fruit forward. This, the association explains, is creating expectations for an early harvest window across all districts.
But despite the weather and the lower crop estimate, local growers remain optimistic.
“The crop outlook continues to improve, the fruit sizing is excellent, and this is shaping up to be a high-quality, promotable crop,” reads the document.
Northwest Cherries emphasized that the latest forecast coincides with the region’s five-year average, and the season’s rhythm is shaping up as usual, with shipments tapering by early August.
California Cherries
According to the California Cherry Board, as of May 13, the state has shipped 3,501,758 (18lb equivalent) boxes.
Challenging weather conditions, including unseasonal rains and early warm temperatures at the beginning of the spring, have significantly impacted the crop. The industry is now expecting a shorter season than originally anticipated, with total shipments finishing between four and five million boxes.
Applewood Fresh, a Sparta, Michigan-based apple grower, packer, and shipper operating under parent company FirstFruits Farms, announced a new strategic sales partnership with Belding Fruit Storage, Inc. of Belding, Michigan. Through the partnership, Applewood Fresh will serve as the sales and marketing function for Belding Fruit’s apple program, further strengthening supply capabilities and customer support throughout the Midwest and East Coast.
Belding Fruit Storage, Inc. operates one of the largest apple storage facilities in the eastern United States, with storage capacity exceeding one-half million bushels. The partnership brings together two long-standing Michigan apple organizations with shared commitments to quality, service, and strategic partnerships.
“This partnership is an exciting opportunity to strengthen our presence in the marketplace as a multi-regional supply entity,” said Lon Hudson, national sales director of FirstFruits.
The expanded program will offer customers access to a robust lineup of conventional, core, and high-flavor apple varieties, including Honeycrisp, EverCrisp, SweeTango, Fuji, Gala, and Red Delicious, among others. The partnership also enhances the companies’ ability to offer stronger volumes and an extended shipping season.
“We are excited about this partnership and the opportunity to serve as the sales function for Belding’s group of generational growers and experienced staff,” said Scott Morrison, general manager of Applewood Fresh. “Partnering with them strengthens our supply chain with additional supply, capacity, storage, and cross-docking opportunities. Additionally, access to fruit grown in other regions of the state will help mitigate seasonal weather fluctuations.”
“This partnership represents an important step forward for Belding Fruit Storage and our growers. By aligning our storage and packing capabilities with Applewood Fresh’s sales expertise, we are creating a stronger, more focused path to market for Michigan apples.” said Curt Norberg, president Belding Fruit Storage.
Together, the companies aim to strengthen partnerships through expanded regional supply, increased flexibility, and collaborative planning designed to drive long-term category growth.
PUNTA GORDA, FL — Melon 1 officially launches its 2026 domestic watermelon season with strong early harvests underway in Florida and an expanded growing program that will continue moving up the East Coast and into key Midwest regions throughout the summer, according to a press release by the company, based on the Brooklyn (NY) Terminal Market.
This season, Melon 1 is growing a diverse mix of watermelon varieties including seedless, seeded, yellow watermelons, and specialty Black Jacks. Harvesting began in Florida in May and will continue through June, with Georgia harvests expected to begin in early June and run through the end of July.
Additional regional production will then follow along the East Coast throughout the summer season across South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky, and Indiana, supporting consistent summer supply and ongoing distribution.
The company reports strong early yields and high-quality fruit coming out of the fields as retailers prepare for peak summer watermelon demand heading into Memorial Day and the broader summer selling season. Florida-grown watermelons are already arriving at retail locations across the East Coast, Midwest, and Canada as consumer demand continues to build.
“The crop looks excellent, and we’re seeing strong yields coming out of the fields,” said Trey Miller, Chief Operating Officer of Melon 1.
California and blueberry shipments are now in peak volume following the start of the season in early May.
Gourmet Trading Company of Redondo Beach, CA reports the West Coast is now the primary supplier of blues as Georgia and the Southeast are also loading, but experienced weather problems affecting volume.
Strong movement should continue through Father’s Day (June 21) with the strongest shipping window lasting for about a month. Then the season will continue through July, but supply will depend on variety and growing district.
The importer/exporter/shipper notes California is in a good position to provide a strong bridge into the Pacific Northwest blueberry season.
California fruit is producing excellent quality, with firmness, shelf-life and flavor.
Gourmet Trading company ships both conventional and organic blueberries to major retail, wholesale, and foodservice channels throughout North America.
A handful of these new Florida University modified tomatoes a day could help you easily reach your recommended daily vitamin A intake.
Researchers at the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences introduced the CCS gene, found in peppers and involved in carotenoid biosynthesis, into tomatoes to increase beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A.
Carotenoids are plant pigments responsible for yellow, orange, and red colors.
The research was published in March 2026 in the Oxford University Press journal Plant Physiology, and, according to the lead researcher and UF/IFAS Professor in the Horticultural Sciences Department, Bala Rathinasabapathi, it was conducted to increase Vitamin A intake worldwide.
The genetic modification resulted in orange tomatoes with over 1,000 micrograms of Retinol Activity Equivalents (RAE), or Vitamin A, 300 percent more than the 150-250 amount found in unmodified tomatoes.
The team introduced the trait into several tomato varieties, including the heirloom Flamme Jaune. All modified tomatoes turned orange, had higher ascorbic acid (vitamin C) levels, lower sugar levels, and, according to the researcher, matched the taste of unmodified tomatoes.
The hybrids were also larger, and the plants produced higher yields than the original varieties.
“The modified fruit turned orange upon ripening, while unmodified tomatoes were bright red,” Rathinasabapathi explains. “This is because the red pigment of the tomato was converted into beta-carotene because of the gene we introduced.”
He says that, in general, tomatoes accumulate lycopene, which gives the fruit its red pigment, but not high levels of beta-carotene.
“We can confidently say our improved tomatoes are nutritionally more valuable than commercially available tomatoes and some of the food materials known for beta-carotene, such as carrots and kale,” he adds.
Tomatoes are the perfect choice for this innovation, he notes, since they are beloved and enjoyed in kitchens around the world.
“Daily consumption of 50 to 100 grams of these tomatoes can efficiently address vitamin A deficiency,” Rathinasabapathi explains. “And when we, the researchers, tasted them, fruit from modified plants was pleasant – slightly less sweet, slightly tarter, and more flavorful compared to fruit from unmodified controls.”
The university highlights that this research aims to combat the rising tide of vitamin A deficiency, a condition that hinders growth, weakens immunity and eyesight, and impacts 345 million people in 79 countries.
Organic melons from the U.S. desert is underway and moving into good volume, according to Discovery Organics, based in Burnaby, BC.
While Mexican growers are concluding their seasons and the U.S. desert season started in early May. This is a little earlier this year due to the heat wave that the California desert had in April.
Production will continue for another three to four weeks before moving to Bakersfield, CA.
Discovery Organics is shipping certified organic watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, galia, hami and Honeysaurus melons. It also has black seedless watermelons.
Meanwhile, Discovery Organics is also starting with U.S. organic nectarines, peaches, apricots and cherries. The season has seen a great start and–like many California commodities–is early, with nectarines and peaches about a week to 10 days ahead of historical starts.
Orange supplies remain extremely limited, particularly for the 113- and 138-count sizes. This tight supply is being felt across all growing regions, and unfortunately, no improvement is expected until the Chilean and South African seasons start in July, according to a press release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Given these ongoing challenges, size and grade substitutions will be necessary to fill orders, with the 138-count oranges presenting the greatest difficulty.
California
- Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials (ESS) Oranges are available
- Overall supplies of 113- and 138-count oranges will be extremely limited through the Valencia season, which runs until October
- Expect to make size and grade substitutions, as well as date changes, to fill orders of small fruit
- Quality is good; sugar levels range from 12-13 Brix
- Expect high markets for small fruit (113- and 138-supplies)
- Mexico
- The Valencia season will end the week of May 25
- Overall supplies of 113- and 138-count oranges are extremely limited
- Expect to make size and grade substitutions, as well as date changes, to fill orders of small fruit
- Quality is good; sugar levels range from 11-13 Brix
- Expect elevated prices as these stocks help fill the void in California
- Florida
- Growers will ship storage fruit through June
- Supplies are dominated by 113-count and larger sizes; 138-count oranges are limited
- Quality is fair; choice and standard grades are most abundant
- Expect steady markets through June
- Imported/Moroccan
- Expect the Moroccan season to end in mid-June
- Vessel delays and holdups from the USDA have further postponed loading schedules
- Valencia quality is very good; sugar levels range from 12-13 Brix
- Stocks are dominated by 113-count and 100-count sizes; 138-count fruit is extremely limited
- Expect elevated markets into mid-June
Imported/South Africa & Chile
- The season will begin in early July
- Current rain events have growers worried about size structure upon arrival into the U.S.
- Supplies are expected to be dominated by 113-count and larger sizes
- Import palletization: 72 cases per pallet, Box weight is 33 pounds (15 KG)
- Domestic palletization: 54 cases per pallet (18 KG), Box weight is 40 pounds
Mexican table grape loadings started about two weeks early this spring and will be ending the season a couple of weeks early as well, according to Pandol Bros. of Delano, CA. Total volume also has been reduced from earlier forecasts.
Sonora Mexico loadings got underway in late April and are predicted to be finished the last half of June. As of May 19 about one-third of the crop had been harvested.
The first 10 to 14 days of the season, product hardly moved as retailers were still selling Chilean grapes. This resulted in very little Mexican product was selling during that time, and inventory started to accumulate at the border in Nogales, AZ Pandol reported. Around May 12 – 15, retailers finally started transitioning and since then, shipping volumes have been normal.
The grower/shipper noted yields have been disappointing and volume estimates have been revised down. The initial pre-season estimate was 18.2 million cartons, down from 22.7 million in 2025. However, revised estimates are in the 15-16 million carton range. Last year, the season was interrupted by rain on June 5, which caused production to drop and forecasts were adjusted downward. This year’s initial estimate was already lower than last year’s post-rain estimate and the revised 2026 estimates are even lower.
The market prefers grapes from Central California’s San Joaquin Valley and is eagerly waiting for the region’s harvest to begin around June 20 – 25, Pandol observes. Overall, Pandol Brothers expects to be finished shipping from Nogales before July 3rd.
Bell pepper shipments are underway from Southern Georgia, and round tomato loadings will begin soon, according to a press release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
- Harvesting of bell peppers began recently in Southern Georgia
- The season will run through July 1
- Production will increase this week
- Quality is very good
- Harvesting of tomatoeswill start in Southern Georgia over the next 10 days
- South Carolina and the Florida Panhandle will begin production on June 1
- Crops in these regions were planted after the Southeastern freeze earlier this year