U.S. avocado prices have climbed to $43.25 per carton as seasonal supply shifts squeeze multiple fresh produce categories simultaneously. Asparagus and peppers are also showing stronger prices in key regions, while tomatoes remain under pressure from ongoing supply dynamics.

The avocado price jump reflects the continued shortfall from Mexico — supply has been running roughly 20% below forecast — combined with the typical summer transition period when Michoacán volumes dip before Jalisco and other regions ramp up. The multi-commodity price movement signals a broadly tightening market headed into Memorial Day and early summer.

Buyers should plan promotions carefully right now — avocado feature pricing will cost more than last year. Watch Jalisco avocado volumes over the next few weeks as the key variable for whether $43+ becomes the new floor or a short-term spike .

Walmart has expanded its price reduction initiative to 7,200 products as the retailer doubles down on its value positioning heading into summer. The cuts are part of a broader strategy tied to strong Q1 FY2027 results, which showed 7.3% revenue growth and 26% global eCommerce growth.

For the produce industry, this matters because Walmart is the single largest fresh produce retailer in the U.S. When it aggressively promotes value across food departments, it puts pressure on the entire competitive landscape — other chains have to respond or risk losing price-sensitive shoppers. The company reported Q1 net sales growth and comparable store gains, signaling its strategy is working so far.

The risk flagged in the report is fuel costs. High fuel prices could eventually erode Walmart's ability to sustain these price investments, which would ripple through freight, refrigeration, and ultimately produce procurement. Suppliers in active contract negotiations should factor in where this pressure might land.

The Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance is pushing for greenhouse-grown tomatoes to be carved out of the ongoing U.S.-Mexico tomato tariff review. Executive Director Tom Stenzel argues that market fundamentals have shifted significantly since 2019 and that domestic greenhouse tomatoes shouldn't be grouped with field-grown imports in the same trade action.

This is a meaningful split within the domestic tomato industry. Traditional Florida field growers have been the primary drivers behind anti-dumping pressure on Mexican imports, but CEA producers — who compete more directly with Mexican greenhouse tomatoes — are now making the case that blanket tariffs hurt their sector without solving the original problem. The distinction between field and controlled environment production is increasingly relevant as greenhouse acreage has expanded dramatically on both sides of the border.

Watch for whether USDA and the International Trade Commission take the greenhouse exemption argument seriously in upcoming proceedings. If it gains traction, it could reshape how the U.S. approaches produce trade protection more broadly.

H-E-B has announced a $700 million investment to expand its supply chain operations, with a San Antonio site identified as the likely home for new and expanded facilities expected to begin operations by 2028. The project is projected to create 720 jobs initially and over 1,200 full-time positions within a decade.

H-E-B is one of the most powerful regional grocery chains in the U.S. and a dominant force in Texas, a major produce consumption market. A $700M supply chain buildout suggests the retailer is planning to move more product faster and with greater control — likely including fresh and perishable categories where speed and cold chain management are critical.

For produce suppliers and distributors serving the Texas market, this is a signal to watch closely. H-E-B scaling its own logistics infrastructure typically means greater direct sourcing capability and less reliance on third-party distribution. Getting aligned with H-E-B's supply chain evolution now could be a major advantage.

Georgia's peach season kicked off about ten days ahead of schedule this year, driven by an unusually dry March and April that accelerated development. Growers like Genuine Georgia's Will McGehee are excited about fruit quality and flavor, calling it a promising early start.

The catch: shipping rates are creating a real headache. With freight costs already elevated from fuel surcharges and tight reefer availability, getting Georgia peaches to market profitably is a challenge even when the fruit is good. This dynamic — great product, brutal logistics costs — is becoming a recurring theme across domestic growing regions this season.

For buyers, the early Georgia start offers a window to feature domestic stone fruit before the Northwest season fully ramps up. But expect FOB prices to reflect the freight burden growers are carrying. Lock in logistics early if you want to build peach promotions for June.

New Jersey Governor Sherrill has declared a State of Emergency following loss assessments tied to a prolonged freeze that hit the state between April 19–22. The assessments, compiled by state agricultural officials, found some growers experienced up to 100% crop losses across multiple commodities.

This is a significant escalation of the eastern U.S. freeze story. While Pennsylvania and Utah freeze emergencies were covered in recent newsletters, New Jersey's declaration is a new, concrete development — a formal state emergency with documented total losses now on record. New Jersey is a meaningful producer of peaches, blueberries, cranberries, and vegetables for the Northeast.

Buyers sourcing from Mid-Atlantic growers should expect tighter availability and upward price pressure on affected categories heading into summer. Watch for USDA disaster designations that could follow, unlocking federal aid for affected operations.

The California Walnut Board reported total April 2026 shipments of 142 million pounds in-shell equivalent, up 25.1% from 113.6 million pounds in April 2025. The growth extended a trend of strong shipments throughout the 2025/26 marketing season, with both domestic and export channels contributing.

In a market environment where supply constraints and price pressure are dominating the narrative, the walnut category is a notable outlier — volume is up, demand is holding, and the supply picture looks healthy. Walnuts are increasingly relevant in produce departments as snacking nuts and health-forward eating continue to drive category growth.

For buyers and category managers, this is a good moment to consider walnut features and promotional activity. With supply strong and the season tracking well above last year, pricing should be relatively favorable compared to categories facing weather and tariff headwinds.