Robertson Produce

📍 Robertson Produce Market Report — May 14, 2026

Fresh produce markets remain highly active and volatile this week. Weather, field transitions, tight supplies, and freight pressure are still affecting several major categories across the country.

🥬 Lettuce & leafy greens remain the biggest concern.
Iceberg, Romaine, Romaine Hearts, Green Leaf, Red Leaf, Boston/Butter Lettuce, Broccoli, Broccolini, Celery, Carrots, Cauliflower, and Asparagus are all under heavy supply pressure. Prorates and substitutions should be expected on several of these items, especially Romaine and Iceberg. Relief is not expected until closer to the end of May on some categories.

🍅 Tomatoes are beginning to improve.
Florida and Mexico production is increasing, especially on Romas. Round tomatoes should improve over the next 10–14 days, while grape tomatoes are improving. Cherry and medley tomatoes remain short.

🍋 Limes are still escalated, but improving.
Smaller fruit is more available, while larger sizes such as 175 count and larger remain extremely tight. Substitutions to smaller sizes may be necessary through May.

🍓 Berries are trending better.
Strawberries and blueberries are improving with stronger quality and better availability expected into June. Raspberries remain stable, while blackberries are still tighter due to heat pressure in Mexico and limited early domestic production.

🍈 Melons are a good buy opportunity.
Cantaloupe supplies have increased with domestic and offshore product available, pushing markets lower. Watermelon supplies are also improving with more Mexican crossings and Florida starting in a small way.

🫑 Peppers & squash remain active.
Green bell pepper supply is light out of South Florida and Coachella, though South Georgia should bring better volume in about two weeks. Yellow squash is especially light, keeping upward pressure on pricing.

🍍 Pineapple remains tight.
Demand is strong, and customers should stay flexible on sizing to help keep supply moving.

🍎 Apples remain tighter than normal on foodservice sizes.
Washington apple crop projections have been reduced, and smaller foodservice sizes are tighter due to a larger-than-normal size profile and stronger retail/export demand.

🚛 Freight continues to be a major cost factor.
Limited truck availability and high fuel costs are putting upward pressure on freight rates, which continues to affect delivered produce costs.

✅ Best opportunities this week:
Cantaloupes, honeydews, watermelons, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cucumbers, green beans, sweet corn, mushrooms, spring mix, potatoes, and new crop cherries/stone fruit.

⚠️ Items to watch closely:
Lettuce, Romaine, broccoli, celery, carrots, cauliflower, asparagus, limes, pineapple, blackberries, bell peppers, squash, apples, and small-size citrus.

At Robertson Produce, we continue working daily with growers, shippers, and freight partners to help our customers stay informed, plan ahead, and keep quality product moving across Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, and East Texas.

📞 Contact your Robertson Produce sales representative for current pricing, availability, and substitution options.