The ProduceIQ Week 21 index shows produce prices remaining near average overall, but with notable surges in romaine and bell peppers heading into the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Declining tomato and wet-vegetable supplies are offsetting pressure in other categories, keeping the overall index from moving sharply higher.
Memorial Day is one of the biggest produce demand weeks of the year, and this year buyers are navigating a split market — some categories are cooling off while others are heating up fast. Romaine and pepper spikes are especially relevant for foodservice and deli buyers stocking up for grilling season. The tomato softening is notable given how elevated prices have been in recent weeks.
Use this week's data to calibrate your promotional planning and watch whether the romaine and pepper spikes hold post-holiday or normalize into June.