Produce Trends - Sept 12, 2022

Summer squash

This week, supplies are on the lighter side for zucchini and yellow squash on both coasts. California is transitioning growing regions, and Nogales is still a few weeks away from strong production. Extreme heat is also affecting quality and availability in the West. Supply is mixed on the East Coast but expected to improve in the coming weeks, with availability out of South Carolina, Georgia, and Michigan. See Summer Squash availability.

Orange

Orange markets are high this week, with an especially tight supply of smaller fruits. California Valencia suppliers are limiting harvests to stretch the season through October. Quality is fair, but high temperatures are putting some stress and weakening the California fruits. See Orange availability.

Bell PePPER

Green and Red bells out of San Joaquin Valley, California, are steady with moderate supply and good demand. However, the recent heat wave in California is starting to affect the harvest. There may be some quality issues with softness due to this heat wave that we will experience later in October. Bell pepper supplies on the East Coast are light. See Bell Pepper availability.