The ProduceIQ Index hit $1.29 per pound for week 38, up 2% over the prior week, as heat and diesel costs continued squeezing the market. Diesel has climbed above $6.50 per gallon, adding pressure across every leg of the supply chain. Iceberg prices surged 29% week-over-week to a 10-year high, with quality below average and sizing trending smaller due to disease and insect pressure in Salinas. Broccoli jumped 18% on intense Diamondback Moth pressure, with Salinas supply well below average.
Limes are up 36% week-over-week on rain-related harvest disruptions in Mexico, though some improvement is forecast within two weeks. Grape-type tomatoes got mild relief — down 6% — but supply remains very tight through at least week 40 due to reduced output from the U.S. Southeast and Mexico. The combination of weather stress, pest pressure, and record fuel costs is stacking up across multiple categories simultaneously.
Buyers in leafy greens and brassicas should watch for continued acceleration in coming weeks as Salinas growers work through ongoing disease and insect challenges. Planning for substitutions and communicating flexibility to customers now is worth doing before the situation tightens further.