Fords Produce Company | Fresh Produce Distributor | Raleigh NC
Spotlight

Monthly Archives: April 2026

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 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!

[...]

August 7, 2026 featured
Apples – They are now in the last days of harvest on this new crop of apples.

Produce Supply Update August 7th, 2026

Produce Supply Update August 7th, 2026 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. [...]

August 7, 2026 Produce Supply Update
Idaho Potatoes

Produce Supply Update July 31, 2026 Good Morning! Market & Weather Snapshot – Hotter-than-normal weather is favored nationwide for August 3-7. Heavy showers linger in the East, while Western heat and California coastal humidity may reduce shelf life on berries and leafy items. Avocados – Mexico’s Loca crop is building. Smaller fruit is increasing and pricing is easing, while large sizes remain tighter. The best value is generally 60- and 70-count fruit. Asparagus – Mexican supplies are light and large Peruvian packs are limited, keeping prices firm. Plan ahead, stay flexible on size, or consider green beans and broccolini. Broccoli & Cauliflower – Plentiful supplies and soft demand make both strong menu values. Quality is good, although Mexican rain and California insect pressure may cause some variation. Berries – Humidity may soften strawberries. Order close to use. Citrus – Lemons remain firm. Valencia oranges favor larger sizes; 113- and 138-count fruit is tight. Limes are steady, with some moisture-related quality concerns. Lettuce – Iceberg, romaine, and green leaf are abundant and priced attractively. Summer heat may bring fringe burn, mildew, yellowing, or insect pressure, so expect normal trimming. Melons & Summer Fruit – Cantaloupe and honeydew volume is increasing, easing prices. Watermelon and stone fruit are plentiful. Grape quality and sugar should improve over the next two weeks. Peppers, Cucumbers & Squash – This group offers strong summer value. Bells, cucumbers, zucchini, and yellow squash are plentiful. Fresno and habanero peppers remain the firmer-priced exceptions. Tomatoes, Potatoes & Onions – Tomatoes are steady and plentiful. New-crop red and yellow potatoes are starting, but overall potato pricing remains elevated. Fresh-run onions are increasing; new skins bruise easily. More kitchens are reducing prep waste by ordering produce based on usable yield—not just case price. Pre- trimmed or appropriately sized products may cost more upfront but can lower labor, reduce disposal, improve portion consistency, and deliver a better overall food cost. Q: What is the opposite of antibiotics? A: Unclebiotics.

Produce Supply Update July 31, 2026 Good Morning! Market & Weather Snapshot – Hotter-than-normal weather is favored nationwide for August 3-7. Heavy showers linger in the East, while Western heat and California coastal humidity may reduce shelf life on berries [...]

August 3, 2026 featured, Produce Supply Update

Download Ford’s Produce App Now!

For Android For Iphone

We’re Hiring! Apply Now Below!

Employment Application

Weekly News Archive

Apples – They are now in the last days of harvest on this new crop of apples.

Produce Supply Update August 7th, 2026

Idaho Potatoes

Produce Supply Update July 31, 2026 Good Morning! Market & Weather Snapshot – Hotter-than-normal weather is favored nationwide for August 3-7. Heavy showers linger in the East, while Western heat and California coastal humidity may reduce shelf life on berries and leafy items. Avocados – Mexico’s Loca crop is building. Smaller fruit is increasing and pricing is easing, while large sizes remain tighter. The best value is generally 60- and 70-count fruit. Asparagus – Mexican supplies are light and large Peruvian packs are limited, keeping prices firm. Plan ahead, stay flexible on size, or consider green beans and broccolini. Broccoli & Cauliflower – Plentiful supplies and soft demand make both strong menu values. Quality is good, although Mexican rain and California insect pressure may cause some variation. Berries – Humidity may soften strawberries. Order close to use. Citrus – Lemons remain firm. Valencia oranges favor larger sizes; 113- and 138-count fruit is tight. Limes are steady, with some moisture-related quality concerns. Lettuce – Iceberg, romaine, and green leaf are abundant and priced attractively. Summer heat may bring fringe burn, mildew, yellowing, or insect pressure, so expect normal trimming. Melons & Summer Fruit – Cantaloupe and honeydew volume is increasing, easing prices. Watermelon and stone fruit are plentiful. Grape quality and sugar should improve over the next two weeks. Peppers, Cucumbers & Squash – This group offers strong summer value. Bells, cucumbers, zucchini, and yellow squash are plentiful. Fresno and habanero peppers remain the firmer-priced exceptions. Tomatoes, Potatoes & Onions – Tomatoes are steady and plentiful. New-crop red and yellow potatoes are starting, but overall potato pricing remains elevated. Fresh-run onions are increasing; new skins bruise easily. More kitchens are reducing prep waste by ordering produce based on usable yield—not just case price. Pre- trimmed or appropriately sized products may cost more upfront but can lower labor, reduce disposal, improve portion consistency, and deliver a better overall food cost. Q: What is the opposite of antibiotics? A: Unclebiotics.

Broccoli – Remains extremely limited in California, but our North Carolina farmers are getting started with better volume this week

Produce Supply Update July 17th, 2026 Good Morning! Asparagus – Domestic asparagus is finishing for the season, so the supply has tightened up with fewer places to get them. Pricing is up with the lighter supply. They expect tight supplies until Mid August, particularly on the larger sizes. Avocados – Mexican supplies are increasing as they complete their seasonal transition. Prices are easing downwards. Blueberries – Are still going strong in NC and still beautiful. The flavor is fantastic right now too. It’s a great time to put some in the freezer for after the season. Broccoli – Is coming from several areas up north as well as the West Coast and quality has been much improved. Cabbage – Our NC mountain farmers are harvesting gorgeous cabbage and plenty of it. It’s also being harvested in Michigan, Canada, and the midwest currently. It’s been plentiful and beautiful. Great time to feature some fancy cole slaw recipes. Corn– Is still going strong post holiday as it’s a staple on summer menus, both in foodservice and peoples homes. Big beautiful ears are at their peak right now! Lettuce – Leaf lettuce supply is improving out of California as Salinas and Santa Maria production continues to build, while regional programs in the Midwest and New Jersey are beginning to add supplemental volume. Melons – Honeydew and cantaloupe supplies seem to be improving nationwide due to a crop failure in California. Our local farmers are fortunately at the peak of their Athena Cantaloupe and honeydew season and the quality has been amazing. Peppers and Cucumbers – Are going strong locally and the harvest should last a couple of more weeks. When they finish, there are plenty areas up north getting started and the added volume should help the market ease downward. Squash – The high temps are giving our local farmers a lot of trouble, so we may be pulling local squash as well as more northern squash until the temps settle down a bit. We have local hard squashes getting started also. Tomatoes – Local tomatoes are increasing in volume but we are expecting a short season due to the heat. What has been available, though, has been beautiful. We have several varieties of heirlooms as well as baby heirlooms ready to go. I knew a guy who worked 14 hours everyday just to put food on the table. Hard worker, but the slowest cook ever.

Cabbages

Produce Supply Update July 10th, 2026 Good Morning! Asparagus – Domestic asparagus is finishing for the season, so the supply has tightened up with fewer places to get them. Pricing is up with the lighter supply. They expect tight supplies until Mid August, particularly on the larger sizes. Avocados – Mexican supplies are increasing as they complete their seasonal transition. Prices are easing downwards. Blueberries – Are still going strong in NC and still beautiful. The flavor is fantastic right now too. It’s a great time to put some in the freezer for after the season. Broccoli – Is coming from several areas up north as well as the West Coast and quality has been much improved. Cabbage – Our NC mountain farmers are harvesting gorgeous cabbage and plenty of it. It’s also being harvested in Michigan, Canada, and the midwest currently. It’s been plentiful and beautiful. Great time to feature some fancy cole slaw recipes. Corn– Is still going strong post holiday as it’s a staple on summer menus, both in foodservice and peoples homes. Big beautiful ears are at their peak right now! Eggplant – Lots of exciting varieties are available locally now. Reach out if there’s something in particular you’re looking for. Lettuce – Romaine and Green leaf have been very limited with a lot of quality issues for the past few weeks, but that’s behind us now. We’re seeing improved harvests and better pricing going forward. Melons – Honeydews and cantaloupes remain EXTREMELY short nationwide due to a crop failure in California. Our local farmers are fortunately at the peak of their Athena Cantaloupe and honeydew season and the quality has been amazing. Peppers and Cucumbers – Have begun locally and we’ll be sourcing them from our neighbors as long as the season lasts. Quality has been gorgeous. Tomatoes – Local tomatoes are getting started but all reports are that the heat has devastated their crop and it’ll be a short season. The baby varieties are doing great locally now, so use them everywhere you can. Be happy that it’s not snowing. Can you imagine shoveling snow in this heat?

Cucumbers

Produce Supply Update July 3rd, 2026 Happy Birthday America! Asparagus – Domestic asparagus is finishing for the season, so the supply has tightened up with fewer places to get them. Pricing is up with the lighter supply. Avocados – Mexican supplies are increasing as they complete their seasonal transition. Prices are easing downwards. Blueberries – Are still going strong in NC and still beautiful. The flavor is fantastic right now too. It’s a great time to put some in the freezer for after the season. Broccoli – We’re back to the West Coast for California Broccoli as it’s too hot on the East Coast now for broccoli. Cabbage – Our NC mountain farmers are harvesting gorgeous cabbage and plenty of it. Corn– Is always a big deal for the 4 th of July holiday. It’s a great item to feature now that our local farmers are picking beautiful ears. Eggplant – Lots of exciting varieties are available locally now. Reach out if there’s something in particular you’re looking for. Lettuce – Romaine and Green leaf have been very limited with a lot of quality issues for the past few weeks, but that’s behind us now. We’re seeing improved harvests and better pricing going forward. Melons – Honeydews and cantaloupes are EXTREMELY short nationwide due to a crop failure in California. Our local farmers are fortunately at the peak of their Athena Cantaloupe season and the quality has been amazing. Peppers and Cucumbers – Have begun locally and we’ll be sourcing them from our neighbors as long as the season lasts. Strawberries – Are much more available this week, though quality is still a struggle for them. The quality issues come from the unstable weather patterns experienced over the past three months Tomatoes – Local tomatoes are getting started but all reports are that the heat has devastated their crop and it’ll be a short season. Tomorrow we celebrate more than our nation's independence—we celebrate the courage to build, the freedom to dream, and the responsibility to leave America stronger for the next generation. Happy Fourth of July!

upclose shot of strawberries

Produce Supply Update June 26th, 2026 Good Morning! Asparagus – Domestic asparagus is finishing for the season, so the supply has tightened up with fewer places to get them. Pricing is up with the lighter supply. Avocados – Mexican supplies are increasing as they complete their seasonal transition. Prices are easing downwards. Blueberries – Are still going strong in NC and still beautiful. The flavor is fantastic right now too. It’s a great time to put some in the freezer for after the season. Broccoli – We’re back to the West Coast for California Broccoli as it’s too hot on the East Coast now for broccoli. Cabbage – Our NC mountain farmers are harvesting gorgeous cabbage and plenty of it. Corn– Is always a big deal for the 4th of July holiday. It’s a great item to feature now that our local farmers are picking beautiful ears. Eggplant – Lots of exciting varieties are available locally now. Reach out if there’s something in particular you’re looking for. Lettuce – Romaine and Green leaf have been very limited with a lot of quality issues for the past few weeks, but that’s behind us now. We’re seeing improved harvests and better pricing going forward. Melons – Honeydews and cantaloupes are EXTREMELY short nationwide due to a crop failure in California. Our local farmers are fortunately at the peak of their Athena Cantaloupe season and the quality has been amazing. Peppers and Cucumbers – Have begun locally and we’ll be sourcing them from our neighbors as long as the season lasts. Strawberries – Are much more available this week, though quality is still a struggle for them. The quality issues come from the unstable weather patterns experienced over the past three months Squash and Zucchini – Our local farmers are going strong and prices are showing the abundance. Quality has been exceptional. Tomatoes – Local tomatoes are still a week or two away but there are good supplies coming from Georgia and South Carolina and quality is great. Prices continue to ease downward on all varieties. Q: When does a car stop being a car? A: When it turns into a driveway.

Cucumbers

Produce Supply Update June 19th, 2026 Good Morning! Asparagus – After many weeks of short supply and high markets, our domestic growers are kicking into gear and there’s plenty to go around. Now is a great time to feature it on your menus. Avocados – Mexican supplies are increasing as they complete their seasonal transition. Prices are easing downwards. Blueberries – Are still going strong in NC and still beautiful. The flavor is fantastic right now too. It’s a great time to put some in the freezer for after the season. Broccoli and Cabbage – Hot weather has ended the season for our eastern NC farmers. There are still some coming from the cooler mountain farms and supplies are strong nationwide, keeping markets favorable. Corn– Is really hitting its stride locally as we get ready for the 4 th of July. Feature these sweet ears on your summer menus and they’ll be a hit! Grapes – With pricing as low as it was, there was only one way for it to go. Pricing is stronger this week. Lettuce – The leaf lettuce market is expected to remain firm to elevated over the next few weeks, led by romaine and romaine hearts, which continue to see the strongest demand and pricing support. Supplies out of California remain very light, and while some improvement has been noted, quality variability is still limiting relief, particularly on hearts and value‑added items. Melons – Cantaloupes remain extremely short nationwide due to crop failure in California, but our local farms are getting started so we’ll be using the much sweeter Athena variety while it’s available. Honeydews are also short on supply, but watermelons are widely available. Peppers and Cucumbers – Have begun locally and we’ll be sourcing them from our neighbors as long as the season lasts. Strawberries – Rains and hot weather out west have the berry growers struggling to find good product. Prices are up on the tighter supplies. Squash and Zucchini – Our local farmers are going strong and prices are showing the abundance. Quality has been exceptional. Tomatoes – Local tomatoes are still a week or two away but there are good supplies coming from Georgia and South Carolina and quality is great. Prices continue to ease downward on all varieties. In America we call it an elevator, but in England they call it a lift. I guess we’re just raised differenty.

orange, fruit

Produce Supply Update June 12th, 2026 Good Morning! Asparagus – After many weeks of short supply and high markets, our domestic growers are kicking into gear and there’s plenty to go around. Now is a great time to feature it on your menus. Avocados – Mexico is changing seasons and there’s a short term gap effecting the market. Supplies dried up seemingly overnight and tight supplies and higher pricing are expected to last through June. Blueberries – Are still going strong in NC and still beautiful. The flavor is fantastic right now too. It’s a great time to put some in the freezer for after the season. Broccoli and Cabbage – Is slowing down locally with the warmer weather as the harvest moves north for cooler temps. Corn– Is beginning locally and it’s absolutely beautiful. Not many local farmers grow yellow, focusing on bicolor, so that’s what we’ll have for a while. Grapes – It seems like the west coast grape season has just begun and they’re already looking to push volumes as they’re having a strong harvest and sluggish demand. Prices are staying low. Lettuce – The leaf lettuce market is expected to remain firm to elevated over the next few weeks, led by romaine and romaine hearts, which continue to see the strongest demand and pricing support. Supplies out of California remain very light, and while some improvement has been noted, quality variability is still limiting relief, particularly on hearts and value‑added items. Melons – Watermelons are widely available now and hot weather makes everyone think of watermelons. Cantaloupes are extremely short due to a crop failure in California. Oranges – Navel oranges will be soon finishing up for the season and we’ll start to see the transition to Valencia variety. Though a great orange, valencias are seeded. Strawberries – Rains and hot weather out west have the berry growers struggling to find good product. They’re prewarning us to expect troubled berries next week. Squash and Zucchini – Our local farmers are going strong and prices are showing the abundance. Quality has been exceptional. Tomatoes – Local tomatoes are still a week or two away but there are good supplies coming from Georgia and South Carolina and quality is great. Prices continue to ease downward on all varieties. Q: Why don’t elephants jog on the beach? A: They can’t keep their trunks up.

Local Asparagus

Produce Supply Update June 5th, 2026 Good Morning! Asparagus – After many weeks of short supply and high markets, our domestic growers are kicking into gear and there’s plenty to go around. Now is a great time to feature it on your menus. Avocados – Mexico is changing seasons and there’s a short term gap effecting the market. Supplies dried up seemingly overnight and tight supplies and higher pricing are expected to last through June. Blueberries – Are cranking up in NC and the quality has been beautiful. We’re looking forward to a great season. Broccoli and Cabbage – both are going strong locally and quality has been gorgeous. Pricing has been very favorable too with the lower freight rates of close by farms. Corn– Is widely available now and quality and pricing are excellent! It’s been a tough spring but they’re finally past the hard part and the summer should be smooth sailing from here on. We’re looking at a great summer for corn. Grapes – It seems like the west coast grape season has just begun and they’re already looking to push volumes as they’re having a strong harvest and sluggish demand. Prices are lower this week. Lettuce – The leaf lettuce market is expected to remain firm to elevated over the next few weeks, led by romaine and romaine hearts, which continue to see the strongest demand and pricing support. Supplies out of California remain very light, and while some improvement has been noted, quality variability is still limiting relief, particularly on hearts and value‑added items. Melons – Honeydews, cantaloupes are finishing the offshore season and are starting domestically out west. Watermelons are plentiful and prices are moving to summertime levels. Warmer weather makes it a great time to feature these. Oranges – Navel oranges will be soon finishing up for the season and we’ll start to see the transition to Valencia variety. Though a great orange, valencias are seeded. Strawberries – Rains and hot weather out west have the berry growers struggling to find good product. They’re prewarning us to expect troubled berries next week. Work them closely to avoid loss. Squash and Zucchini – Our local farmers are going strong and prices are showing the abundance. Quality has been exceptional. Tomatoes – Local tomatoes are still a few weeks away but there are good supplies coming from Georgia and quality is great. Prices continue to ease downward on all varieties. Q: What does a Mexican duck say? A: Guac Guac Thank you for your business! Have a Great Week! Copyright Ford’s Produce 2026

Blueberries – Should continue locally well into July and then we’ll make the transition to more Northern states like New Jersey and Michigan.

Produce Supply Update May 29th, 2026 Good Morning! Asparagus – After many weeks of short supply and high markets, our domestic growers are kicking into gear and there’s plenty to go around. Now is a great time to feature it on your menus. Avocados – Mexico is changing seasons and there’s a short term gap effecting the market. Supplies dried up seemingly overnight but better conditions are expected over the coming weeks as new areas begin harvesting. Blueberries – Are cranking up in NC and the quality has been beautiful. We’re looking forward to a great season. Broccoli and Cabbage – both are going strong locally and quality has been gorgeous. Pricing has been very favorable too with the lower freight rates of close by farms. Corn– Is widely available now and quality and pricing are excellent! It’s been a tough spring but they’re finally past the hard part and the summer should be smooth sailing from here on. We’re looking at a great summer for corn. Grapes – It seems like the west coast grape season has just begun and they’re already looking to push volumes as they’re having a strong harvest and sluggish demand. Prices are lower this week. Lettuce – The leaf lettuce market is expected to remain firm to elevated over the next few weeks, led by romaine and romaine hearts, which continue to see the strongest demand and pricing support. Supplies out of California remain very light, and while some improvement has been noted, quality variability is still limiting relief, particularly on hearts and value‑added items. Melons – Honeydews, cantaloupes are finishing the offshore season and are starting domestically out west. Watermelons are coming on strong in Florida and prices are lower. Warmer weather makes it a great time to feature these. Oranges – Navel oranges will be soon finishing up for the season and we’ll start to see the transition to Valencia variety. Though a great orange, valencias are seeded. Strawberries – Supplies remain limited and quality has been suspect. We’ve seen a small amount of local strawberries available after the rains last week dried out. Squash and Zucchini – Our local farmers are cranking out the squash. Quality has been exceptional. Tomatoes – Local tomatoes are still a few weeks away but there are good supplies coming from Georgia and quality is great. Nothing in the English language starts with N and ends in G. Thank you for your business! Have a Great Week! Copyright Ford’s Produce 2026

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories

Meta

Fords Produce Company | Fresh Produce Distributor | Raleigh NC

Copyright © - Ford's Produce Co., Inc., 1109 Agriculture Street Suite 1, Raleigh, NC 27603
1-800-821-FORD (3673)

The owner of this website has made a commitment to accessibility and inclusion, please report any problems that you encounter using the contact form on this website. This site uses the WP ADA Compliance Check plugin to enhance accessibility.