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.