CALIFORNIA - Before we head into Labor Day weekend, let’s briefly look at a snapshot of Valencia orange data.

According to the USDA’s August 28, 2025, National FOB Review, Valencia Shippers First Grade coming out South and Central District, California, in bushel cartons 40s is priced between 21.50 and 25.10, mostly 22.55 and 24.50. Valencia Shippers Choice is priced between 19.50 and 23.10, mostly 20.50 and 22.50.

The Source noted that Valencias "are peaking on 88ct, with very limited 113ct and 138ct due to strong school demand. Subbing up in size may be needed.”

Domestic Navel season is expected to start at the end of October, so stay tuned to ANUK for our coverage of that.

CALIFORNIA - Labor Day weekend is here, and although temperatures will be hot, they won’t necessarily be record-breaking. That’s not much consolation to some lettuce crops facing down the heat.

According to the USDA’s August 28, 2025, National FOB Review, green leaf lettuce coming out of Salinas-Watsonville, California, in cartons 24s is priced between 15.00 and 22.85, mostly 17.50 and 20.85. In Santa Maria, California, reporting noted a wide range in price, quality, and condition, with most cartons 24s pricing at 14.35 and 16.55.

Red leaf lettuce is reporting a wide range in prices, as well as in condition and quality out of Salinas-Watsonville and Santa Maria.

For organics, demand is moderate and the market steady, with most cartons 24s out of the South and Central District, California, priced between 20.00 and 31.00.

The Source commented that “the market is firm on green and red leaf as well as Romaine, with Romaine Hearts active across all pack sizes. Shippers are facing lower yields in the field, though demand hasn’t matched that of lettuce.”

Fringe and tip burn have also been reported, and with above-average temperatures likely through the weekend, it may be a little while before lettuce stops feeling the heat.

Keep turning back to ANUK for the latest on category updates like this.