U.S. produce markets showed mixed trends this week, with strawberry and avocado prices both moving lower while asparagus and green bell pepper markets tightened. Seasonal transitions are driving the shifts as production moves between growing regions across multiple categories.
The price divergence reflects the complexity of mid-summer transitions — some crops are flush while others are tightening as earlier-season regions wind down and new ones ramp up. For buyers managing multiple categories simultaneously, the spread between soft and firm markets is unusually wide right now.
Watch for continued volatility in strawberries as Salinas supply dynamics evolve, and monitor asparagus closely — firming markets in a category that's already been under supply pressure could create real cost exposure for foodservice buyers.