● Live · Aug 29, 2026
Newsletter for produce professionals
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Tomatoes are taking the worst of this week's heat — and they're not the only ones

This week's ProduceIQ market report flags tomatoes as the commodity most directly in the crosshairs of current heat conditions, with multiple other commodities also feeling pressure. The report suggests temperature stress is actively affecting quality and supply across several categories simultaneously.

Heat events at this stage of the season can compress supply windows, accelerate deterioration, and create pricing volatility quickly — especially for thin-skinned commodities like tomatoes, stone fruit, and berries. Coming off a period where prices were already running 5.5% above year-ago levels, additional heat-driven tightness could push costs higher for buyers.

This is worth tracking week-to-week as the heat picture develops. Category managers with active promotional commitments on tomatoes or other affected commodities may need to reassess timing or sourcing flexibility in the near term.

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