Fords Produce Company | Fresh Produce Distributor | Raleigh NC
Spotlight

Good morning! Apples – Harvesting of the first apple variety from Washington’s new crop has begun, with Gala apples currently being picked in limited quantities. The full harvest is expected to continue through November, and early forecasts indicate a strong crop across all growing regions. Gala apples are the first to be harvested, followed by Honeycrisp. Asparagus – All sizes of asparagus will be extremely limited throughout August. Prices are higher on the limited supply. Broccoli – High temps in California fields continue to cause quality issues in broccoli and caused shortages nationwide. Prices are staying strong. Corn – Our local growers are having one of the best seasons in memory. All of the rain has really kept the corn fields cranking. Supplies and quality have been excellent all season long. Nationally, corn is in a short supply but our local guys have been clutch in keeping us well supplied. Lettuce – Iceberg lettuce supplies remain consistent. Romaine, red and green leaf supplies are all steady with reports showing great overall quality and good weights. Peppers – Michigan is getting into good volume with bell pepper now, and the markets are sliding with the increased supplies. Potatoes – Many farmers finished packing old crop russets in Idaho this week, and begin packing new crop Russets this coming week. Following their last round of test digs in the fields, it appears that the 2025-26 potato crop is showing a slightly larger size profile early on, and quality is excellent. Idaho and most of the major potato-producing areas have had favorable growing conditions this summer, which will bode well for size-profile, quality, and yield, both early packing out of the field, and into storage. Squash – Is getting started again locally this week with zucchini and yellow squash both available again. Tomatoes – We still have plenty of local tomatoes, and they’ve been beautiful. The heirloom varieties had suffered from all of the rain, but the fields have dried up now and the farmers are off to the races again. Summertime is tomato time, so feature them everywhere you can while they’re available. I enjoy eating menudo, foie gras, and lengua. But my wife thinks all that stuff is just offal.

apples

Good morning!

Apples – Harvesting of the first apple variety from Washington’s new crop has begun, with Gala apples currently being picked in limited quantities. The full harvest is expected to continue through November, and early forecasts indicate a strong crop across all growing regions. Gala apples are the first to be harvested, followed by Honeycrisp.

Asparagus – All sizes of asparagus will be extremely limited throughout August. Prices are higher on the limited supply.

Broccoli – High temps in California fields continue to cause quality issues in broccoli and caused shortages nationwide. Prices are staying strong.

Corn – Our local growers are having one of the best seasons in memory. All of the rain has really kept the corn fields cranking. Supplies and quality have been excellent all season long. Nationally, corn is in a short supply but our local guys have been clutch in keeping us well supplied.

Lettuce – Iceberg lettuce supplies remain consistent. Romaine, red and green leaf supplies are all steady with reports showing great overall quality and good weights.

Peppers – Michigan is getting into good volume with bell pepper now, and the markets are sliding with the increased supplies.

Potatoes – Many farmers finished packing old crop russets in Idaho this week, and begin packing new crop Russets this coming week. Following their last round of test digs in the fields, it appears that the 2025-26 potato crop is showing a slightly larger size profile early on, and quality is excellent. Idaho and most of the major potato-producing areas have had favorable growing conditions this summer, which will bode well for size-profile, quality, and yield, both early packing out of the field, and into storage.

Squash – Is getting started again locally this week with zucchini and yellow squash both available again.

Tomatoes – We still have plenty of local tomatoes, and they’ve been beautiful. The heirloom varieties had suffered from all of the rain, but the fields have dried up now and the farmers are off to the races again. Summertime is tomato time, so feature them everywhere you can while they’re available.

I enjoy eating menudo, foie gras, and lengua. But my wife thinks all that stuff is just offal.

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Weekly News Archive

Celery Stalks and Cut Celery Sticks - Celery Was super-tight and spendy through the spring and early summer,

Good Morning! Apples – As we enter February, the crop continues to get smaller. The latest storage report is showing that inventories are lower on many varieties for this time of year than the same time last year. As a result, we are seeing a rising market on many varieties, sizes, and packs, and this trend is expected to continue for at least the next couple of months. The most significant item that is down this year is the Gala apples. Asparagus – Peru continues to offer good volume from the north region, with field transitions in place to ensure availability through mid- February and cover all Valentine’s Day needs. Broccoli and Cabbage – Cold temperatures and freezing weekend weather across much of the Southeast is driving up pricing. Mexican supply remains tight and Florida supply is struggling in the wake of the freezing temperatures. Product will likely remain tight for the next couple of weeks. Celery – Celery supplies will be limited over the next few weeks as the market has remained firm due to reduced industry acreage. Demand remains moderate, but lower overall supplies are supporting the market. Corn – The past weekend brought freezing temperatures into the Southeast. Florida farmers are currently still assessing their crop for quality and freeze damage. Thankfully demand is sluggish this time of year, keeping the market down. Lettuce – Product is experiencing lighter than normal weights and is expected to continue this week and next due to recent weather disruptions. Abnormal seasonal conditions have accelerated harvest schedules, resulting in reduced yields—projected to be down 35% or more industry wide. As supplies tighten, markets have begun to trend higher. Despite lighter yields, quality remains strong. Strawberries – The cold weather slowed down strawberry production, and pricing is climbing in anticipation of typical heavy Valentine’s Day demand. Tomatoes – The nationwide cold that we had last week has changed the plentiful tomato market seemingly overnight. Prices are much higher with the shorter supplies. Smaller grape and mixed colored baby tomatoes are particularly tight. Q: Why did the banana go to the doctor? A: It wasn’t peeling well.

Florida’s corn season finally cranked back up and prices are way down this week.

Good Morning! Apples – As we work our way through the beginning of a new year, we have a few less apples in storage than we expected a couple of months ago. The latest storage report is showing that inventories are lower on many varieties for this time of year than the same time last year. As a result, we are seeing a rising market on many varieties, sizes, and packs, and this trend is expected to continue for at least the next couple of months. Asparagus – Peru continues to offer good volume from the north region, with field transitions in place to ensure availability through mid- February and cover all Valentine’s Day needs. Broccoli – Tightened up drastically last week as the cold weather shut down growth. Prices are higher as everyone is looking for product. Celery – Supplies of celery remain extremely limited but are improving each week. The market has stayed very active with strong demand even after the holidays. It does seem to be easing down, but no where near normal levels yet. Corn – Sweet corn in Florida is very limited and pricing remains high. As we move into more wintery weather, pricing will likely remain high, and volumes will be limited. Lettuce – Production is experiencing disruption due to recent cold and rainy weather. Harvest crews out west are working diligently to procure solid quality in each carton, but their work has been cut out for them. Spinach and all other leaf items have been a struggle for the past couple of weeks. Potatoes – There are excellent supplies of high-quality potatoes coming out of storage in multiple regions. This is true of reds, yellows, and russets. Demand typically drops off as we get into the new year, as many consumers are looking for low-carb options. The low demand and large volumes make for an excellent buying opportunity and promotional period. Strawberries – The cold weather slowed down strawberry production, and pricing is climbing in anticipation of typical heavy Valentine’s Day demand. Tomatoes – The nationwide cold that we had last week has changed the plentiful tomato market seemingly overnight. Prices are much higher with the shorter supplies. Q: Why did the snowman look through a bag of carrots? A: He was picking his nose.

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

Good Morning! Apples – As we work our way through the beginning of a new year, we have a few less apples in storage than we expected a couple of months ago. The latest storage report is showing that inventories are lower on many varieties for this time of year than the same time last year. As a result, we are seeing a rising market on many varieties, sizes, and packs, and this trend is expected to continue for at least the next couple of months. Asparagus – Good volume and excellent quality heading into Valentine’s Day. Broccoli and Cabbage– Georgia is seasonally winding their broccoli season down and Florida will wrap up early with the chilly weather this week. We’ll be moving back to the west coast soon. Cabbage has just about wrapped up in Georgia. New crop from Florida is up and running. Supply is abundant with good quality. Celery – Supplies of celery remain extremely limited but are improving each week. The market is very active with strong demand through the holidays. Quality is good overall and expected to progress into January. I haven’t seen a market like this before now. Corn – Sweet corn in Florida is very limited and pricing remains high. As we move into more wintery weather, pricing will likely remain high, and volumes will be limited. Lettuce – Production is experiencing disruption due to recent cold and rainy weather. Harvest crews out west are working diligently to procure solid quality in each carton, but their work has been cut out for them. Spinach and all other leaf items have been a struggle for the past couple of weeks. Melons – Have gotten tighter since the end of Mexico’s season, and the transition from Guatemala to Honduras is currently going on, making for shortages and higher pricing. Potatoes – There are excellent supplies of high-quality potatoes coming out of storage in multiple regions. This is true of reds, yellows, and russets. Demand typically drops off as we get into the new year, as many consumers are looking for low-carb options. The low demand and large volumes make for an excellent buying opportunity and promotional period. Strawberries – The cold weather we’re expecting this coming week will slow down strawberry production, and pricing is climbing in anticipation. Hopefully they’ll rebound before Valentine’s. People often say that “icy” is the easiest word to spell. Looking at it now, I see why.

After Valentine’s Day strawberry prices should fall

Good Morning! Asparagus – The holiday pull is over and things are settling back into normal. We should have good supply for the next month and then we’ll start seeing new fields from Mexico begin. Broccoli and Cabbage– We’re still getting good supplies of nice product out of Georgia and very good pricing. When they finish in a nother couple of weeks, we’ll move west again. Cabbage continues locally and in the south. Celery – Supplies of celery remain extremely limited but are improving each week. The market is very active with strong demand through the holidays. Quality is good overall and expected to progress into January. I haven’t seen a market like this before now. Corn – Sweet corn in Florida is very limited and pricing remains high. As we move into more wintery weather, pricing will likely remain high, and volumes will be limited. Lettuce – Production is experiencing disruption due to recent cold and rainy weather. Harvest crews out west are working diligently to procure solid quality in each carton, but their work has been cut out for them. Spinach and all other leaf items have been a struggle for the past couple of weeks. Melons – Have gotten tighter since the end of Mexico’s season, and the transition from Guatemala to Honduras is currently going on, making for shortages and higher pricing. Potatoes – There are excellent supplies of high-quality potatoes coming out of storage in multiple regions. This is true of reds, yellows, and russets. Demand typically drops off as we get into the new year, as many consumers are looking for low-carb options. The low demand and large volumes make for an excellent buying opportunity and promotional period. Strawberries – California: Due to substantial rains in the Santa Maria and Oxnard, California growing regions, the shippers have been stripping the fruit and sending it to juicers and freezers. This week, they are continuing to assess the damage. With several inches of standing water in the fields, some shippers may not resume harvest until hopefully next week, and then at limited quantitites. Florida is producing good quantities of nice berries. Our local farmer is still bringing a few to market when the sun is out enough to let the berries grow. With just a couple of weeks before Valentine’s Day, we may see short supplies. Q: Why was the carrot such a big deal? A: He was outstanding in his field.

Local Produce – Many items were just getting cranked up last week until the rains shut down production.

Good Morning! Asparagus – The holiday pull is over and things are settling back into normal. We should have good supply for the next month and then we’ll start seeing new fields from Mexico begin. Broccoli and Cabbage– Though our local broccoli deal has finished, we’re still getting good supplies of nice product out of Georgia and very good pricing. When they finish in a nother couple of weeks, we’ll move west again. Cabbage continues locally. Celery – Supplies of celery remain extremely limited but are improving each week. The market is very active with strong demand through the holidays. Quality is good overall and expected to progress into January. I haven’t seen a market like this before now. Corn – Sweet corn in Florida is very limited and pricing remains high. As we move into more wintery weather, pricing will likely remain high, and volumes will be limited. Cucumbers, Peppers, and Squash – Florida is cranking out serious volumes now with gorgeous quality. Mexico is also going strong. Heavy harvests are keeping markets low. Grapes – We’ve made the switch to South American grapes in order to stay in good quality. California has finished their season and shipping from storage that are not as fresh as what’s coming from Chile and Peru currently. Lettuce – Production is experiencing disruption due to recent cold and rainy weather. Harvest crews out west are working diligently to procure solid quality in each carton, but their work has been cut out for them. Overall quality of the crop is improving each day. Markets have begun to adjust as Mexico improves in volume and quality. Melons – Have gotten tighter since the end of Mexico’s season, and the transition from Guatemala to Honduras is currently going on, making for shortages and higher pricing. Potatoes – There are excellent supplies of high-quality potatoes coming out of storage in multiple regions. This is true of reds, yellows, and russets. Demand typically drops off as we get into the new year, as many consumers are looking for low-carb options. The low demand and large volumes make for an excellent buying opportunity and promotional period. Strawberries – Heavy rains have taken California out as a player on strawberries. Florida is producing good quantities of nice berries at a good price. Our local farmer is still bringing them to market when the sun is out enough to let the berries grow. How big is a man’s hand? 11.5 inches. Any larger and it would be a foot.

apples

Happy New Year! Apples – The apple harvest has now been completed, and the weather remained favorable for the entire harvest. This means that the growers got all the apples off the trees this year before the freezing temperatures set in. The crop is now being reported to be around 135 million cases this year which makes it an above- average crop. Broccoli and Cabbage– After a little warm up, local broccoli is back and it’s been gorgeous and very favorably priced. Cabbage continues in good volumes. Celery – Is still kinda crazy and extremely short. We’re hoping that this will change now that we’re past the holidays and demand will return to normal. Citrus – California has switched over to their navel season and pricing is much better. Florida has begun their season too and we should see grapefruit from there very soon. Cucumbers, Peppers, and Squash – Florida is cranking out serious volumes now with gorgeous quality. Mexico is also going strong. Heavy harvests are keeping markets low. Grapes – We’ve made the switch to South American grapes in order to stay in good quality. California has finished their season and shipping from storage that are not as fresh as what’s coming from Chile and Peru currently. Lettuce – The young fields in Yuma are seeing some disruption due to recent weather events, resulting in reduced yields while reducing available quality product to harvest. Markets have begun to find lower levels in connection with the newfound supply and quality available. Quality has been nice for what is available; although, we have lighter than normal weights. Potatoes – Packing houses are now coasting after the busy holiday pull. Supplies are solid and markets remain stable on all varieties of potatoes. We expect to see demand fall off as consumers look for low carb alternatives to bring in the new year. Strawberries – Heavy rains have taken California out as a player on strawberries. Florida is producing good quantities of nice berries at a good price. Our local farmer is still bringing them to market when the sun is out enough to let the berries grow. I once knew a baker with red hair. He was a ginger bread man.

Holiday Cornucopia

Produce Supply Update December 25th, 2025 We wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas! Thank you for your business! Have a Great Week!

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

Produce Supply Update December 12th, 2025 Good Morning! Apples – The apple harvest has now been completed, and the weather remained favorable for the entire harvest. This means that the growers got all the apples off the trees this year before the freezing temperatures set in. The crop is now being reported to be around 135 million cases this year which makes it an above- average crop. Broccoli and Cabbage– Are still going strong locally and quality and pricing are excellent. These items love the chilly weather. Citrus – California has switched over to their navel season and pricing is much better. Florida has begun their season too and we should see grapefruit from there very soon. Georgia is also harvesting their delicious Satsuma variety of Tangerines. Cucumbers, Peppers, and Squash – Florida is up and running and increasing their harvests every day. Mexico is also rolling now. We should see easing of pricing and improving quality. Grapes – Red grapes continue in good supply from California, but the whites are slowing down, causing much higher pricing for better quality. We should be seeing the move to South American white grapes very soon. Lettuce – The young fields in Yuma are seeing some disruption due to recent weather events, resulting in reduced yields while reducing available quality product to harvest. Markets have begun to find lower levels in connection with the newfound supply and quality available. Quality has been nice for what is available; although, we have lighter than normal weights. Melons – Are going strong in Central America and pricing and quality are very attractive. Potatoes – Packing houses are busy pumping out volume for the holiday pull as they are starting to pack for orders coming this week and next week to get in stores in time for Christmas. Markets remain stable on all varieties of potatoes. We will see heavy activity for the next ten days then demand should fall off as consumers look for low carb alternatives to bring in the new year. Strawberries – The dam finally burst on strawberry supplies. Florida has good volume coming out of their fields and pricing is way down for this coming week. Quality has been really nice so far from there. Q: What do you call a Christmas wreath made of $100 bills? A: A wreath a Franklins.

orange, fruit

Good Morning! Apples – The apple harvest has now been completed, and the weather remained favorable for the entire harvest. This means that the growers got all the apples off the trees this year before the freezing temperatures set in. The crop is now being reported to be around 135 million cases this year which makes it an above- average crop. Broccoli and Brussel Sprouts– Are still going strong locally and quality and pricing are excellent. Items like Broccoli like the chilly weather. Brussel sprouts are super popular around the holidays so pricing is stronger this week. Cabbage – Is coming from Eastern NC as well as the mountains now and quality and pricing are great. Citrus – California has switched over to their navel season and pricing is much better. Florida has begun their season too and we should see grapefruit from there very soon. Georgia is also harvesting their delicious Satsuma variety of Tangerines. Cucumbers, Peppers, and Squash – Florida is up and running and increasing their harvests every day. Mexico is also rolling now. We should see easing of pricing and improving quality. Greens – Cooler weather here in NC is really helping the quality of our local greens shippers, and also getting more people in the mood to eat collards and kale. Lettuce – All lettuce supplies and quality are improving along with everything else from the West Coast. Pricing is easing downwards as harvests increase. Melons – Are starting in Central America and picking up where our domestic growers left off. Quality and supply are beginning on a great footing. Potatoes – There are plenty of potatoes available as the Holiday pull rolls on. Shippers are working vigorously to get everything packed and shipped on time. There are excellent supplies and quality on reds and yellows from multiple regions, and lots of russets of all sizes out of Idaho. Strawberries – Remain extremely tight this week due to torrential rains in California fields. Driscoll has warned everyone of expected shortages over the next two weeks. Florida is harvesting just a few berries but won’t really get their season going until Christmas. Our local grower is also harvesting a few berries each week in his greenhouse but it’s not enough to cover demand. Q: Why is the letter “E” the only letter who receives presents from Santa? A: The other letters are not E.

Apples – Western apple shippers are harvesting more and more varieties as the season continues.

Good Morning! Apples – The apple harvest has now been completed, and the weather remained favorable for the entire harvest. This means that the growers got all the apples off the trees this year before the freezing temperatures set in. The crop is now being reported to be around 135 million cases this year which makes it an above- average crop. Broccoli and Brussel Sprouts– Are still going strong locally and quality and pricing are excellent. Items like Broccoli like the chilly weather. Cabbage – Is coming from Eastern NC as well as the mountains now and quality and pricing are great. Cucumbers, Peppers, and Squash – The hard frost last week wrapped up many growing areas all of the way down through Georgia. Florida is starting some items and should be able to pickup the ball and run with it from here on. Mexican harvests are well underway too. Greens – Cooler weather here in NC is really helping the quality of our local greens shippers, and also getting more people in the mood to eat collards and kale. Lettuce – Supplies remain extremely limited across the industry in romaine and all lettuces. Quality is improving with the transition to new growing areas, but the government shutdown created labor issues on Western farms who couldn’t get guest workers across the border to harvest the product. Pricing has been slow to fall, but it’s definitely on the way very soon. Potatoes – There are plenty of potatoes available as the Holiday pull rolls on. Shippers are working vigorously to get everything packed and shipped on time. There are excellent supplies and quality on reds and yellows from multiple regions, and lots of russets of all sizes out of Idaho. Strawberries – Remain extremely tight this week due to torrential rains in California fields. Driscoll has warned everyone of expected shortages over the next two weeks. Florida is harvesting just a few berries but won’t really get their season going until Christmas. Our local grower is also harvesting a few berries each week in his greenhouse but it’s not enough to cover demand. My teacher told me not to worry about spelling because we will always have autocorrect in the future. And for that I am eternally grapefruit.

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