Market News

 Current Market News for the week of April 5, 2026

Blackberries + Raspberries: Steady out of Mexico with consistent supply, stable pricing, and excellent quality. New blackberry crops begin mid-April. Dependable for desserts, sauces, and cocktails.

Strawberries: Now fully transitioned to California, with Oxnard and Salinas producing steady volume. Quality is improving after prior heat damage. Feature strawberries in desserts and brunch menus while pricing is workable.

Blueberries: Tight supply as Mexico gaps in production. Limited Southeast volume begins early April, but markets will stay elevated through mid-month. Plan as a premium item until May.

Grapes: Late-season Chilean fruit is tightening across all sizesl. Expect firm markets through April with limited flexibility on sizing.

Cherries: First California cherries are expected by mid-April with strong volume. Begin planning seasonal features.

Limes: The lime market is highly volatile with elevated pricing.

Pineapples: Supplies are tight, with stabilization expected next week but limited volume continuing.

Pears: A full range of varieties are available with consistent quality—great for cheese boards and salads.

Figs: Black Mission figs are tight at the end of Mexico’s season, with Peruvian supply ramping up.

Squash: Florida zucchini and yellow squash are in a strong position with promotable pricing and solid quality — ideal for pasta features, and vegetable medleys.

Lettuce: Leaf and romaine supplies are steady, with improving West Coast production supporting consistent availability.

Carrots: Carrot supplies are improving, though pricing remains elevated. Baby carrots will continue to be tight through mid-to-late April—plan alternatives where needed.

Peppers: Green peppers remain expensive with limited supply. Hot peppers are very tight with potential gaps. Color peppers have transitioned to Canada with strong, reliable quality — lean into color peppers for consistency and plate appeal.

Tomatoes: Roma and round tomatoes are very limited with elevated pricing and inconsistent quality. Expect supply gaps—menus may need flexibility.

Asparagus: Tight supply due to heat-related production issues in Mexico. Availability remains limited and pricing firm.

Cauliflower: Supplies are steady with eased pricing and strong quality. An excellent choice for roasted, steak-style, or plant-forward entrées.

Broccoli: Markets are rising due to weather and freight pressures, with some quality concerns. Availability is sufficient, but costs are climbing.

Eggs + Dairy: The butter market is expected to hover around its present level for the foreseeable future. The conventional shell egg market continues to decline. The cage free market is unchanged. Cheese markets are unchanged.