MARKET UPDATE 04.04.25

Good afternoon,

Chilean GRAPE prices are beginning to creep up, as they always do in April. There is a US Marketing order that takes effect every year around mid-April that forces any Chilean grapes being imported into the United States after said date, to pass a rigorous USDA inspection. We generally see the market split with poor quality fruit going out cheap and better quality fruit rising in price before the order goes into effect. This season is no different. Be careful chasing the cheap grapes in April as you may be left with an embarrassing Easter display!

GREEN BELL PEPPERS are beginning to see some challenges. As South Florida growing areas wrap up for the season, production up north is not quite ready. The lack of availability is going to push pricing up for a few weeks but as northern Florida production catches up, we expect to see some relief soon.

Salinas production is off and running, just ICEBERG LETTUCE to move over from Huron and the major commodities are off to the races. The overlap in supply has worked as a nice cushion for this transition that spared us from some dramatic price increases. Conversely, we are seeing demand outpace supplies and some competitive pricing in most of the California veg market!

In the most recent edition of TARIFF discussions, USMCA compliant fresh fruits and vegetables will remain EXEMPT from tariffs, as reported by Blue Book services. The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has continued to push for this exemption with the current administration and their efforts seem to have finally broken through.

More as it happens,

Parker Tannehill