Data presented at the Global Grape Convention 2026 by the Global Grape Group — a trade alliance formed in 2025 by Chile, Peru, and Mexico — shows U.S. table grape supply has surged 41% while consumer demand has grown just 3%. The gap between those two numbers is about as stark as it gets for a fresh category.

The Global Grape Group was specifically formed to address category-level challenges and develop joint initiatives to strengthen demand. The data underscores a structural oversupply problem that is likely pressuring prices across all three origin countries. California is also currently at peak volume, adding domestic supply on top of imports.

For buyers, this is a moment with significant negotiating leverage — but for category managers, the challenge is driving velocity in a category that's swimming in product. Watch for promotional pressure to intensify across all grape origins as shippers compete for shelf and ad space through the fall.

Michoacán wrapped its 2025/26 avocado season with total production running 27% below the prior year, according to new data. Despite that shortfall, the state still exported over 85% of its production to the United States, totaling 1.25 million tonnes — a figure described as a record-breaking season for U.S. avocado imports.

The juxtaposition is significant: even a sharply down year in Michoacán translated into record U.S. import volumes, highlighting just how dominant the region is in supplying the American market. This season played out against a backdrop of USDA inspection suspensions, security monitoring requirements, and ongoing calls from California growers for seasonal import caps.

Heading into the new season, the 27% production decline is a key data point for anyone forecasting avocado pricing and availability. If Michoacán's next crop faces similar headwinds — weather, security, or regulatory friction — supply tightening and price pressure could come faster than expected.

Peru shipped 35% more strawberries to the United States in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year, continuing a growth trajectory that has seen the category expand at an 11% compound annual growth rate since 2021. Peru is becoming an increasingly significant supplier of fresh strawberries in the North American market.

This growth matters because domestic California strawberry supply has been in a quiet, tighter stretch with stronger pricing — creating space for Peruvian volume to fill gaps during the transition period. Peru's ability to ship through the domestic shoulder season is making it a more reliable year-round option for retailers and foodservice buyers.

For category managers, the 35% jump is worth tracking alongside California production calendars. As Peruvian volume scales further, it will increasingly shape the competitive baseline for strawberry pricing during fall and winter windows.

California's table grape program is at its seasonal peak, with strong volumes flowing through the market. According to Justin Bedwell of Bari Produce, the early-season fruit has largely been harvested and shipped, and the industry is now in mid-season mode. Late-season programs are expected to begin around mid-to-late September.

This domestic peak lands on top of the 41% year-over-year supply increase flagged by the Global Grape Group, compounding the oversupply picture in the U.S. market. California's mid-season push means there is no near-term volume relief on the domestic side while imports from South America continue to flow.

For buyers and category managers, this is peak promotional window for California grapes. With supply running heavy across all origins, retail ad support and competitive pricing are worth prioritizing now before the category transitions to late-season and South American import programs take center stage.

CMI Orchards has announced the launch of the 2026 apple season, reporting an ample supply of high-quality fruit with production growth across key varieties. The company says it's entering the season in a strong position, with harvest underway and consumer marketing programs ready to support retailers.

This aligns with but adds color to the broader picture of Washington apple harvest getting underway — though earlier reporting flagged early signs of a tighter overall crop. CMI's grower-level view of production growth across their specific variety lineup offers a more optimistic read for the retailers they supply directly.

For buyers, apple season is now a live category requiring active planning. Variety mix, promotional timing, and early consumer engagement programs will matter as the season ramps toward its fall peak.

The traditional marketing windows for Latin American blueberries are becoming harder to define as Peru extends its season further into periods previously dominated by other origins. Argentina, Chile, and Mexico are all seeing their campaigns increasingly overlap with active Peruvian supply, creating a more competitive and less predictable supply calendar for North American buyers.

Peru has been expanding its blueberry footprint rapidly — the 35% jump in U.S. strawberry exports this year shows the broader pattern of Peruvian berry supply scaling aggressively across categories. In blueberries specifically, Peru's extended season is intensifying competition during windows that Chilean and Argentine shippers have historically owned.

For category managers, the blurring of origin windows means the old seasonal forecasting playbook needs updating. Watch for pricing pressure to persist longer into what used to be a cleaner Chilean-season window, as Peruvian volume increasingly bridges the gap.

Effective October 1, 2026, Maersk will implement a Port Security Service Export charge on cargo originating from the United States and Canada. The surcharge is set at USD $15 per container for U.S.-origin cargo and USD $12 per container for Canadian cargo, designed to recover terminal-related security costs.

While the per-container dollar amounts may seem modest, any added cost layered onto already-elevated reefer freight rates matters for perishable exporters working on thin margins. This affects any North American produce shipper moving product via Maersk — including exporters of apples, grapes, citrus, and other commodities with meaningful export programs.

Watch for other major carriers to follow Maersk's lead with similar surcharges. If this becomes an industry-wide move heading into the fall export season, the cumulative cost impact on outbound produce logistics could be more significant than the per-unit fee suggests.