The ProduceIQ Index plummeted -8 percent over the previous week as increased supply sent prices tumbling across a wide range of commodities.
These declines align with historical trends for week #8, marking a predictable seasonal shift. However, while some markets benefit from an influx of produce, others face mounting challenges due to weather disruptions and supply constraints.
Weather remains a key factor shaping the market outlook. Florida’s dry weather is shifting to another cold front and rain. Meanwhile, rising temperatures in the West could shake up production in the coming weeks, impacting crops already in transition.
The annual spring shift for Western growers is beginning, affecting lettuce, strawberries, cauliflower, broccoli, and celery. This transition, lasting from March through April, typically brings week-to-week fluctuations in supply and pricing as farms relocate to different growing regions.
ProduceIQ Index:$1.21/pound, – down 8.3 percent over prior week
Week #8, ending February 21st
Blue Book has teamed with ProduceIQ BB #:368175 to bring the ProduceIQ Index to its readers. The index provides a produce industry price benchmark using 40 top commodities to provide data for decision making.
Avocado Buyers Face Record Prices
While many commodities are seeing price declines, Hass avocados are moving in the opposite direction, rising 4 percent over the prior week. 48ct are at a record $78. Mexican growers have revised their spring volume projections downward by 15–20 percent, intensifying supply pressure. Though comparatively small producers, Peruvian, Colombian, and Californian growers are working to fill the gap. Early California production remains light. Over the next few weeks, avocado sizes will trend smaller before volumes increase.
Mango Prices Skyrocket Amid Supply Struggles
Mango buyers are also feeling the squeeze. Prices are up +53 percent as Peruvian supplies dwindle and Mexican growers work to ramp up production. Shipping delays have further tightened the market, impacting not just mangoes but also pineapples, melons, and other imports. Prices may remain elevated until Mexican supply fully comes online in the coming weeks.
Pears Hit a Ten-Year Price Record
Another standout in the price surge category is pears, now hitting a decade-high price of $36. Unfavorable growing conditions in the Pacific Northwest, particularly a lack of cold hours, have severely limited production. Washington State’s current volume is only half of the norm for this time of year. Among the major varieties, Anjou pears are holding stronger than Bosc and Bartlett, meaning they will need to carry supply until the new domestic crop becomes available in July.
Strawberries on the Verge of a Price Drop
In contrast, strawberry prices are set to decline as growers in Mexico, California, and Florida ramp up production. Last week, rain briefly disrupted California’s supply, but an incoming warm front is expected to turbocharge production. As a result, buyers can expect a steady price drop over the next few weeks.
Looking Ahead
With seasonal transitions, unpredictable weather, and shifting supply dynamics, the produce market remains highly volatile. Some commodities are seeing sharp price declines, while others—especially those facing production challenges—are reaching record highs. As spring unfolds, buyers should prepare for continued fluctuations and monitor conditions closely.
ProduceIQ is an online toolset designed to improve the produce trading process for buyers and suppliers. We save you time, expand your opportunities, and provide valuable information to increase your profits.
ProduceIQ Index
The ProduceIQ Index is the fresh produce industry’s only shipping point price index. It represents the industry-wide price per pound at the location of packing for domestic produce and at the port of U.S. entry for imported produce.
ProduceIQ uses 40 top commodities to represent the industry. The Index weights each commodity dynamically, by season, as a function of the weekly 5-year rolling average Sales. Sales are calculated using the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service for movement and price data. The Index serves as a fair benchmark for industry price performance.
The ProduceIQ Index plummeted -8 percent over the previous week as increased supply sent prices tumbling across a wide range of commodities.
These declines align with historical trends for week #8, marking a predictable seasonal shift. However, while some markets benefit from an influx of produce, others face mounting challenges due to weather disruptions and supply constraints.
Weather remains a key factor shaping the market outlook. Florida’s dry weather is shifting to another cold front and rain. Meanwhile, rising temperatures in the West could shake up production in the coming weeks, impacting crops already in transition.
The annual spring shift for Western growers is beginning, affecting lettuce, strawberries, cauliflower, broccoli, and celery. This transition, lasting from March through April, typically brings week-to-week fluctuations in supply and pricing as farms relocate to different growing regions.
ProduceIQ Index:$1.21/pound, – down 8.3 percent over prior week
Week #8, ending February 21st
Blue Book has teamed with ProduceIQ BB #:368175 to bring the ProduceIQ Index to its readers. The index provides a produce industry price benchmark using 40 top commodities to provide data for decision making.
Avocado Buyers Face Record Prices
While many commodities are seeing price declines, Hass avocados are moving in the opposite direction, rising 4 percent over the prior week. 48ct are at a record $78. Mexican growers have revised their spring volume projections downward by 15–20 percent, intensifying supply pressure. Though comparatively small producers, Peruvian, Colombian, and Californian growers are working to fill the gap. Early California production remains light. Over the next few weeks, avocado sizes will trend smaller before volumes increase.
Mango Prices Skyrocket Amid Supply Struggles
Mango buyers are also feeling the squeeze. Prices are up +53 percent as Peruvian supplies dwindle and Mexican growers work to ramp up production. Shipping delays have further tightened the market, impacting not just mangoes but also pineapples, melons, and other imports. Prices may remain elevated until Mexican supply fully comes online in the coming weeks.
Pears Hit a Ten-Year Price Record
Another standout in the price surge category is pears, now hitting a decade-high price of $36. Unfavorable growing conditions in the Pacific Northwest, particularly a lack of cold hours, have severely limited production. Washington State’s current volume is only half of the norm for this time of year. Among the major varieties, Anjou pears are holding stronger than Bosc and Bartlett, meaning they will need to carry supply until the new domestic crop becomes available in July.
Strawberries on the Verge of a Price Drop
In contrast, strawberry prices are set to decline as growers in Mexico, California, and Florida ramp up production. Last week, rain briefly disrupted California’s supply, but an incoming warm front is expected to turbocharge production. As a result, buyers can expect a steady price drop over the next few weeks.
Looking Ahead
With seasonal transitions, unpredictable weather, and shifting supply dynamics, the produce market remains highly volatile. Some commodities are seeing sharp price declines, while others—especially those facing production challenges—are reaching record highs. As spring unfolds, buyers should prepare for continued fluctuations and monitor conditions closely.
ProduceIQ is an online toolset designed to improve the produce trading process for buyers and suppliers. We save you time, expand your opportunities, and provide valuable information to increase your profits.
ProduceIQ Index
The ProduceIQ Index is the fresh produce industry’s only shipping point price index. It represents the industry-wide price per pound at the location of packing for domestic produce and at the port of U.S. entry for imported produce.
ProduceIQ uses 40 top commodities to represent the industry. The Index weights each commodity dynamically, by season, as a function of the weekly 5-year rolling average Sales. Sales are calculated using the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service for movement and price data. The Index serves as a fair benchmark for industry price performance.
Mark Campbell is an industry veteran with over 20 years of produce experience. After earning his MBA from Columbia Business School, he spent seven years as CFO for J&J Family of Farms. He later served as CFO advisor to several produce growers, shippers, and distributors. In this role, Mark saw the impediments that prevent produce growers and buyers from trading with greater access and efficiency. This led him to cofound ProduceIQ.
