Fords Produce Company | Fresh Produce Distributor | Raleigh NC
Spotlight

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.

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 coleslaw 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.

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Weekly News Archive

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

Corn, White

Produce Supply Update May 22nd, 2026 Happy Memorial Day! Apples – We are now in the heart of the storage crop season and the beginning of the import season. The storage crop is smaller than last year and therefore many varieties and packs are tighter than last year. 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. Feature corn for your Memorial Day menus. 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. 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. Stone Fruit – Season has begun! We have cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums and apricots available. Strawberries – California had some hot days and then a lot of rain, which are the 2 worst things for a strawberry field. Supplies got extremely short seemingly overnight. Prices are up as a result. Squash and Zucchini – The local season has begun and we’re expecting a great year. Lots of farmers are harvesting all at once so I think we’re going to rapidly see some falling prices. Tomatoes – Markets continue to fall as supplies catch back up with demand. Quality, volume, and pricing are all getting better every day. Our local crops are still a few weeks out. I can always tell someone is lying just by looking at them. I can tell when they’re standing too. Thank you for your business! Have a Great Week! Copyright Ford’s Produce 2026

Stone Fruit - Bing Cherries in a collander

Produce Supply Update May 15th, 2026 Good Morning! Apples – We are now in the heart of the storage crop season and the beginning of the import season. The storage crop is smaller than last year and therefore many varieties and packs are tighter than 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 the next couple of months. The most significant item that is down this year is the Gala apples. The latest storage report shows that inventory is down over 20% from last year. Blueberries – Started locally this week and they’re absolutely beautiful. Pricing is great and the berries are plump and delicious. 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. Melons – Honeydews, cantaloupes and watermelons are all lower. Warmer weather makes it a great time to feature these on your menus. Oranges – The crop is heavily trending toward the larger sizes of fruit, making smaller oranges very hard to source. Pricing is flipped upside from what it normally is, with the larger sizes typically fetching top dollar. Stonefruit – Season has begun! We have cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums and apricots available. Strawberries – Are all but finished locally though it was a great season. We’ll be moving to California growers Squash and Zucchini – Our local farmers are starting this week and we’re excited for the season to begin. We’re expecting a great year. Tomatoes – Markets continue to fall as supplies catch back up with demand. Quality, volume, and pricing are all getting better every day. Q: What’s a cucumber’s favorite sport? A: Pickle ball

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Fords Produce Company | Fresh Produce Distributor | Raleigh NC

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