Spotlight
- Produce Supply Update October 9, 2026 Good Morning! Here’s what we’re seeing this week. Asparagus – Peru remains well below normal and due to Hurricane Polo, Mexico cannot cover the gap. Record pricing should hold through mid-October. Larger sizes are particularly short and higher in price. Avocados – Mexico’s regular crop is building with good size and quality. Stronger October volume should keep prices relatively steady, making avocados a dependable fall buy. Bell Peppers – Local production is ending, while Georgia is delayed until roughly October 15–20. Supplies tightened up last week, but that should be short-lived. Broccoli – California heat at the end of their season and quality issues are cutting yields. Georgia is getting started and our local farmers will begin very soon. Green Beans – Supply is extremely limited and prices are elevated. East Coast transitions and Mexican weather offer little relief. Expect higher pricing and less quality until Georgia gets their season going. Iceberg Lettuce – Salinas yields remain low and prices are climbing. Huron starts around mid-October, but relief may be brief. Watch usable yield and weights. Oranges – Valencias are winding down and small fruit is scarce. Limited California Navels start next week; small- size pricing should ease later in October. Potatoes – New-crop Idaho quality is very good, but large 40- through 70-count russets remain limited and fetch higher pricing. Strawberries – California heat is causing softness, bruising and lower pack-outs. Prices should rise for two to three weeks. In another month or so we will begin seeing Florida fruit and that should help the market get lower. Foodservice Trend or Best Practice – Cross-utilize seasonal produce before adding another SKU. Roasted peppers and onions can work in sandwiches, grain bowls and soups, reducing slow-moving cases and cooler waste. Q: Why did the green bean cross the road? A: To get to the other side dish!
- Produce Supply Update October 2, 2026 Good Morning! Here’s what we’re seeing this week. Apples – New-crop Washington varieties are building with very good quality. The overall crop is balanced rather than heavy, so pricing should stay orderly. Apples remain a dependable fall value. Asparagus – Supply remains critically short and prices have set records for twelve straight weeks. Hurricane Polo has shutdown Mexican production. Stay flexible on size and consider broccolini or green beans. Broccoli – Late-season California fields face insect pressure, high temps and declining yields. Mexican and East Coast supply is helping, but prices are expected to climb. Plan accordingly. Cauliflower – Heat and insect pressure continue to limit pack- outs and keep markets elevated. Quality and pricing can vary. For banquets, consider roasted squash, carrots or cabbage when the numbers work better. Cucumbers – Virginia volume is increasing while California transitions south and Mexican new crop starts. Polo may cause disruptions or quality issues; Georgia is getting started but the shortages from Mexico are causing stronger markets. Grape Tomatoes – Prices are near a ten-year high, and Polo brought heavy rain and wind to key Mexican regions. Expect added volatility over the next few weeks; secure volume early. Green Onions – Mexico is one of the biggest producers of green onions and Polo has shutdown their production, with it too muddy to get into the fields. Prices are rising very quickly on what little product is available. Iceberg Lettuce – Disease and insect pressure pushed average prices roughly 30% higher last week to a ten-year high. Tight supply may last through mid-October. Oranges – California Valencias are winding down, while the coming Navel crop is estimated slightly larger than last season. Small fruit remains difficult now; broader size availability should improve after transition. Foodservice Trend or Best Practice – For storm-exposed items, order early but receive close to use. Keep menu choices flexible, and change if necessary. Q: Why did the wizard go to the doctor? A: He had a staff infection.
- Produce Supply Update September 25, 2026 Good Morning! Here’s what we’re seeing this week. Apples – New-crop volume is building across major varieties. Quality is very good and pricing is steady, making apples a dependable fall menu choice. Asparagus – This market remains short and at all-time record high, this certainly has started to feel like a new norm for this category, the reality is that productive acreage in Peru is reduced approximately 20% compared to years past due to fields coming to an end and there is not a concrete plan of replacing that surface any time soon. Bell Peppers – North Carolina and Georgia supplies are ample, quality is strong and prices should ease. This is a good time to feature peppers across the menu. Broccoli & Cauliflower – Heat, humidity and insect damage are reducing yields and raising prices. All of the brassicas prefer cooler weather. Strong nationwide demand should keep prices elevated through October. Celery – California and Michigan volume is high, quality is excellent and markets are low. Celery remains a dependable value for wings, soups, mirepoix, salads and high-volume prep programs. Grapes – Domestic yields are ample and pricing is low, with very good eating quality. Grapes are an easy value for breakfast, catering, snack boxes and cheese boards while California volume remains strong. Lemons – Limited supply and strong demand are keeping prices elevated. New-crop volume should improve soon. Watch portioning on beverages and garnishes until the market loosens. Lettuce – Disease damages and warm, humid weather have cut some California yields by up to 20%. Iceberg, green leaf and romaine prices are rising. Order close to need and inspect shelf life. Foodservice Trend or Best Practice – Store leafy greens away from ethylene-producing apples, avocados and tomatoes. Maintain airflow, avoid overstacking and rotate the oldest cases first. 70% of the earth is covered with water and none of it is carbonated… That’s my proof that the earth is flat.
- Produce Supply Update September 18, 2026 Good Morning! Here’s what we’re seeing this week. Apples – Washington’s new crop is underway, but early varieties are below projections. Quality looks excellent as they get into new fruit. More varieties will become available as we get further into fall. Asparagus – Peru has roughly 20% less productive acreage, and Mexico cannot cover the gap. All sizes are extremely short and prices are at record highs. Consider broccolini, green beans or smaller portions. Bell Peppers – Rain may interrupt northern harvests as regional production winds down. Pepper has been cheap for a long time and there’s only one way for it to go at this point. Broccoli – Supply is steady, with good color and minor sizing variation. It is a reliable buy and a sensible substitute when asparagus costs do not work. Cucumbers – Volume is improving as new Northeast fields are improving yields, and North Carolina production is ramping up. Grapes – California has ample good-quality fruit, and marketers are promoting through October. Late-season weather is the watch item, but grapes remain a strong menu value for snack, catering and breakfast applications. Pineapples – Costa Rican volume is unstable and expected to stay low into November. Mexico should add fruit near month-end, but demand is good and prices are edging higher. Potatoes – Sweet potatoes are being harvested now in North Caorlina and we’re looking forward to a good season. New crop sweet potatoes have a softer skin than you’re used to seeing, so expect that for a few weeks. Watermelon – Supplies are tightening as Midwest and Western districts wind down; Eastern minis are especially short. Fall Mexican fruit will not start until October. Order early and stay flexible on size or whole versus seedless minis. Foodservice Trend or Best Practice – Pre-approve two interchangeable vegetables for specials and banquets, then let us quote the best market value. That protects food cost and keeps last-minute changes out of the kitchen. I knew a Chef that sold a lot of soup stock. Now he’s a bouillonaire.
- Produce Supply Update September 4, 2026 Good Morning! Here’s what we’re seeing in produce this week—and where we think you can buy smart. Asparagus – All sizes remain extremely limited, though we’ve had plenty to supply our customers. Pricing is high on the limited supplies. Cabbage – Heat, rain and insect pressure are limiting pack-outs up north, but there still seems to be plenty to go around. Our farmers in the mountains are harvesting good volumes and keeping everyone stocked up. Cantaloupe – Strong holiday and school demand plus cool weather are pushing markets higher after the glut prices this summer. Quality remains excellent on cantaloupes and honeydews. Celery – California supply is abundant with excellent quality and consistent sizing. Michigan and Canadian growers are harvesting now also. A dependable value for mirepoix, wings, salads and snacks. Cucumbers – They seem to be harvesting cucumbers everywhere right now. Heavy supply means very favorable prices. Lemons – Summertime means lemonade and iced tea, and that means lots of lemons getting used. Typical tight supplies for this time of year and strong demand are keeping prices elevated. Potatoes – Idaho is right in the middle of their harvest but finding that yields are much lower than usual and sizing is down. We’re going to see a tighter potato market this year, especially on larger sizes. Strawberries – Summer output is near its seasonal low and California’s hot weather has reduced quality. Cooler weather on the way this Fall will help a lot as they move to new fields. Work them closely since shelf life is shorter than normal. Watermelon – Summer growing areas are are winding down, and heavy rains up north have ended their seasons prematurely. Expect tighter supplies through September. Foodservice Trend or Best Practice – Use flexible menu descriptions such as “seasonal vegetables” or “market fruit.” This lets the kitchen substitute the best available product without reprinting menus or disappointing guests. I had a date last night and it was perfect. Tomorrow I’ll have a banana.
- Produce Supply Update August 28, 2026 Good Morning! Here’s what we’re seeing in produce this week—and where we think you can buy smart. Apples – New-crop Washington Gala and Honeycrisp are shipping as storage fruit winds down. Quality is very good, but count and variety gaps remain until September harvests broaden. Flex varieties when possible. Asparagus – Peruvian output remains well below normal after warm winter weather. Expect strong pricing and less than optimal quality-especially on thin spears. Buy close to use and only what you need short term. Broccoli – California and regional production is adequate, with good color and appearance. Warm weather is pushing harvests and any disruptions are not expected. A dependable buy for planned menus. Grapes – California red and green seedless volume is abundant and markets are favorable. They’re at peak season and quality. A strong value for cups, buffets and cheese boards. Limes – Late-cycle Mexican harvests plus heat and rain are reducing pack-outs. Oil spotting and rind injury are showing up, along with more ripe fruit showing less green skin than we all like. We’re looking forward to new harvests and fresher trees. Pears – New-crop California and Washington Bartlett season is underway. Quality and sizing are good; Bosc and Anjou volume should build in September. A timely seasonal feature. Pineapples – Costa Rican volume is declining and Mexican supply is nearly finished. Demand is covered now, and quality has been great, but pricing is rising on the short supplies. Squash – Heat and rain have reduced yields and shelf life, keeping zucchini and yellow-squash markets elevated. Strawberries – California heat and warm nights are causing thin skins, overripeness, decay and mold. Fresh pack-outs remain short until fall acreage builds. Expect high prices and schedule rapid use. Foodservice Trend or Best Practice – Cross-utilize one strong-value item. Grapes can serve breakfast cups, salads, cheese boards and catered platters; several planned uses improve turns and reduce leftover inventory. Q: What do you call the wife of a hippie? A: Mississippi
- Produce Supply Update August 21, 2026 Here’s what we’re seeing in produce this week—and where we think you can buy smart. Apples – New-crop Gala and Honeycrisp are moving from Washington, with Granny Smith and Red Delicious next. Quality is very good. Stay flexible on variety and count while old-crop inventories finish. Asparagus – Plan ahead. Some Peruvian fields are producing far below normal, while heat-related seeding, feathering and weakness shorten shelf life. High markets and possible prorates should continue through August. Broccoli – Pressure is easing. Stocks are increasing as New York and Maine harvests build, and pricing is stabilizing. Quality is good, making crowns a more dependable buy than last week. Citrus – Small Valencias are tightening as school demand builds; larger 56s and 88s are the value. Lemons remain high despite import support. Summertime means lemonade time and prices always go up during the hotter months. Grapes – California red and green seedless supplies are abundant and markets are weak. Quality is good, but heat can age lots quickly. A strong feature for fruit cups, buffets and cheese boards. Limes – Prices are climbing as volume falls and more fruit is graded out. Veracruz heat, humidity and rain increase oil spot and rind damage. Buy short, inspect closely and avoid extra inventory. Peppers – Remain plentiful from several areas. Quality and pricing are great right now. Potatoes – New-crop red and yellow supplies are increasing and prices are easing. Idaho Burbanks are the exception: 40- through 70-count markets should rise. New harvests should begin over the coming weeks and take the pressure off pricing. Strawberries – This week’s biggest watch item. Supplies are drastically short with field heat making many berries unharvestable. Expect higher prices and very short shelf life. Work them closely to avoid losses. Foodservice Trend or Best Practice – Protect usable yield—not just case price. On heat-sensitive strawberries, limes and lettuce, smaller deliveries and faster turns can cost less than a cheaper case that causes shrink. Q: Where do evil rainbows go? A: To prism. It’s a light sentence but they have time to reflect.
- Produce Supply Update August 14, 2026 Good Morning! Bell Peppers – Feature them now. Broad summer harvests are keeping green and red pepper prices low, with good quality for fajitas, salads, pizzas and roasted-pepper specials. Broccoli – Demand is outrunning production, so prices should rise. There are still some coming from northern areas which is helping the market right now. Cantaloupe and Honeydews We’re seeing very strong volumes being harvested with high sugar levels and excellent ripeness. They’re at peak season all over the country currently. Feature them in your brunch menus. Citrus – Small oranges are extremely tight as schools reopen; larger fruit is more available. Lemons remain elevated as always during summertime lemonade season. Grapes – California red and green seedless supplies are abundant and markets are weak. Quality is very good—an easy call for fruit cups, cheese boards and buffets. Limes – Markets are edging higher. Mexican rain and humidity are causing oil spotting and skin breakdown; small fruit is tight. Order short and inspect deliveries. Potatoes – New-crop red and yellow volume is increasing, so pricing should ease. Idaho Baking potatoes are running out of their storage supplies but should begin harvesting over the next few weeks. Strawberries – Heat is increasing softness and bruising. Buy for short turns, refrigerate immediately and avoid deep clamshell stacks. We’re about 2 weeks away from the transition to new fields and quality should improve dramatically at that time. Watermelon – Summer production is active across the Midwest and Northeast. Markets are steady with good eating quality—a dependable choice for buffets, beverage stations and catering. Foodservice Trend or Best Practice – Ordering flexibility pays. Share forecasts and acceptable counts or pack sizes early so we can steer you toward plentiful items and away from premium sizes. Q: How can you make a water bed bouncy? A: Use spring water.
- Produce Supply Update August 7th, 2026 Good Morning! Apples – Old-crop storage supplies remain tight. Early Gala and Honeycrisp harvest has started in Washington, but meaningful Gala volume is not expected until mid-August. Asparagus – Supply is tight and prices are high. Warm Peruvian winter weather is limiting large sizes, while Central Mexico may finish early by mid-August. Large, XL and Jumbo will be especially difficult through September. Avocados – Mexico’s new crop is underway, with best availability on 60s, 70s and 84s. Larger sizes remain limited until mid-August. California and Peru are helping fill the gap. Broccoli – Supply is adequate, but some California fields are finishing ahead of younger acreage. A short gap may put upward pressure on next week’s market; overall quality remains good. Citrus – California Valencias are peaking on 56s and 72s while school demand makes 113s and 138s extremely tight. Lemons also remain firm, with larger fruit tightest. Flexibility on orange size and lemon grade will help coverage. Grapes – California red and green seedless grapes are in full production with excellent availability on Large and Extra-Large fruit. Markets are steady with promotional opportunities—one of this week’s better values. Lettuce – Iceberg, romaine and leaf supplies are strong. Favorable coastal California weather is supporting good quality, and shippers are flexing pricing. Lettuce is a strong buy for the next couple of weeks. Pineapples – Mexican volume is fading and Costa Rican production is forecast to drop sharply by mid-August. Contract business is being prioritized; expect a firm-to-higher market and very tight supplies into mid-October. Strawberries – Heat and humidity continue to pressure shelf life and quality. A short supply gap is lifting prices, while ample overall inventory remains. Fall-crop fruit should improve consistency by mid-August. Sweet Corn – Summer heat has tightened corn volume, with limited availability reported through the hottest stretch of the season. Keep lead times in mind on larger orders until northern production improves supply. Foodservice Trend – Back-to-school demand is tightening small oranges and apples, while lettuce, grapes, melons and watermelon offer strong value. Feature abundant items and allow size substitutions on tighter commodities to protect food cost and fill rates. Q: Why was the cucumber in court? A: Because it was in a pickle!
- Produce Supply Update July 31, 2026
- Produce Supply Update July 17th, 2026
- Produce Supply Update July 10th, 2026
- Produce Supply Update July 3rd, 2026
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Ford’s Produce App
Get it on Google Play Store Download on the Apple App Store Ford’s Produce now has an App! We’ve developed and perfected a great new ordering application to...
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Ford’s Produce Distribution
Delivery Fleet: Fully Refrigerated Straight Trucks. Routing System: Computerized and planned to insure efficient, timely deliveries. Range: Based in Raleigh, NC, we offer six day per week delivery to the...
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Rated Superior by Primus Audit
Ford’s Produce was inspected and Rated Superior in the areas of Good Manufacturing Practices and Good Distribution Practices and Processing by Primus. Ford’s Produce is dedicated to being...
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Ford’s Own Mr. Fresh!™ Fresh-Cut Facility
Ford’s Produce started and operates the only state inspected and approved fresh-cut processing facility in eastern North Carolina. Ford’s Mr. Fresh! provides the freshest and highest quality of fresh-cut...
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Warehouse Operations
State Farmer’s Market in Raleigh, NC located in the Wholesale Building 2. Ten Refrigerated Storage Rooms with Controlled Humidity. Total Square Feet: 18,900 Refrigerated Space in Total Cubic Feet:...
Welcome to Ford's Produce Co.
Providing Quality Fruits and Vegetables Since 1946
Founded in 1946, Ford’s Produce remains family-owned and operated by the same Ford family, now spanning four generations. For eighty years, we have provided quality fruits and vegetables throughout North Carolina. As a wholesaler, receiver, distributor and importer of fresh fruits and vegetables from around the world, we are proud to serve some of the finest restaurants and grocery stores in America that just happen to be located close to home.
Our business philosophy, carried forward by four generations of our family, is based on building strong relationships and partnerships with our customers. We pride ourselves not only on providing the highest quality products, but also the best customer service in the industry.
We appreciate your taking the time to find out more about Ford’s Produce. And remember…when a Ford’s Produce truck pulls up to your back door, you're getting the best that North Carolina and the world have to offer. Complete list of products
Ford’s Produce started and operates the only state inspected and approved fresh-cut processing facility in eastern North Carolina. Ford’s Mr. Fresh! provides the freshest and highest quality of fresh-cut produce possible year-round.
Compared to west coast source providers, our product is usually at least five days fresher!
We look forward to serving you!
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1-800-821-FORD (3673)
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