Produce Alliance, LLC.

🌱🐇 Spring Trends 🌷🐣 Microgreens are springing into popularity this season! You might already be familiar with common microgreens like cilantro and parsley. 🌿 A few others that are showing up in a major way this season are radish, arugula, basil, broccoli, mustard, beet and sunflower microgreen varieties. Why microgreens? These small garnishes make a huge difference in the presentation of a dish by elevating the visual impact. Harvested before the plant fully matures, microgreens offer a more intense and concentrated taste. Chefs then utilize these flavor profiles to complement and elevate their culinary creations! How do you prefer your microgreens, on avocado toast or a quinoa bowl? 🥑🍳

Today is National Acai Day! Celebrate BIG with a bowl of fresh, fruity goodness from Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Their Acai Bowl is made with a delicious acai base, fresh strawberries, fresh blueberries, banana, coconut, granola, chia seeds and finished with a honey drizzle on top. Paradise in a bowl, no flight necessary! 🍓🫐🍌🥥🍯

Produce Alliance is thrilled to announce that our very own Ben Unger has been recognized by Firebirds Wood Fired Grill as their 2024 Vendor of the Year! This recognition is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the strong relationships he’s built. Ben’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and going above and beyond has truly made an impact. Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved achievement—way to go, Ben!

President Trump has now confirmed that tariffs under the USMCA (United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement), including produce, “WILL NOT” be implemented as Fresh Produce from Canada and Mexico will not be affected. With that, we will continue to see strong production out of South Florida on several items, with good quality and availability across multiple commodities with similar conditions being observed in Nogales and McAllen. Avocado harvest volumes have dropped significantly this week as many importers are choosing to avoid heavy border crossings on Wednesday and Thursday due to ongoing tariff concerns. The previous round of tariffs—imposed for just three days—resulted in a 25% cost to importers, with no refunds issued, adding to the current caution. With continued uncertainty around the timing and implementation of tariffs, crossings remained light, and the supply chain is expected to tighten rapidly. On a positive note, California has entered full production this week, with favorable weather and market conditions supporting steady harvests. Mexico’s asparagus season is approaching its end, leading to a notable tightening in supply. Hot weather and soil fatigue are contributing factors to both limited availability and an increase in quality-related concerns. Transition is always a hectic time, but the growers are doing everything they can to ensure a smooth transition. We had a heat advisory in effect last week for Yuma and the hot weather did put some stress on the products. Overall, for now, supplies are looking good in Yuma and Salinas, but with transition in full swing, we will also see the normal issues with supplies and quality as we go through this process. Lettuce is already seeing tighter supplies and lighter weights in some markets but overall, things are steady, and the majority of growers seem to be in good shape. Bugs are still a factor for the growers in Yuma, but they are doing a great job navigating the increased insect pressure. Growers, again, will do their best to prevent any supply gaps and will try to get the best quality, but some issues should be expected in the coming weeks.

Market Alert: Asparagus 4.2.2025 Mexico's season is nearing its end, and as a result, supplies have tightened significantly. Hot weather and soil fatigue contribute to limited availability and a rise in quality-related issues. Meanwhile, Peruvian production is gradually ramping up, though current volumes remain constrained. Full production capacity from Peru is expected by the end of April, which should bring some relief to the market. However, due to the timing of the transition, tight supply conditions may continue until Peru reaches full production. We may encounter pro rates during this timeframe, but currently, shippers will continue to supply distributor averages. Our grower partners are working diligently to maintain service levels, but supply availability will continue to decline until the end of April. We strongly encourage flexibility in loading dates and order adjustments as we navigate these challenges. Thank you for your continued partnership and understanding. We will keep you updated on any further market developments.

March is Women's History Month! Throughout the month, we’re celebrating the incredible women shaping the foodservice and produce industry. Today, we recognize Stevie Adams, Business Development at United Salad Co. of Washington! 🍉 What does success in the produce industry look like to you? What are you most proud of? 🌱 Success is reflected in one’s ability to continuously adapt and pivot to the flow of the industry; either you get on the bus or get the heck out of the way! I am most proud of what I have learned and my willingness to hand it down to those seeking or open to the knowledge. I never want someone to have to learn the way I typically do: the hard way. If the road is paved, I want others to be able to drive on it. 🍉 What would you tell young female leaders who are just starting to work? What would you like them to know? 🌱 You don’t have to smile, and you don’t have to apologize. One of the most life-changing moments in my life was when my first female boss sat me down, looked me in the eyes, and with all the confidence in the world told me, “You can do the job” when I was being considered for her role. I want to be able to pass that on to the next succession of female leaders. The notion that someone can have the confidence in you that you don’t even have in yourself is the essence of female leadership. 🍉 Who inspires you or has been a mentor to you, and why? 🌱 Fictionally, Leslie Knope from Parks and Recreation; she is a stunning reflection of charisma, character, and unyielding determination. In real life, nearly every woman I have had the pleasure of working alongside, for, or has worked for me; I am now dear friends with nearly all of them and continue to learn and lean on them to this day.

Friday already? Let's talk pomegranates! ✨ Did you know that grenadine syrup is made with pomegranate juice? Next time you order a Shirley Temple, impress your friends by knowing the cherry on top is just a garnish, and not indicative of what's in the glass! 🍒🧃

With Fresh Truck, Produce Alliance is offering our customers MORE OPTIONS THAN EVER to add more to your orders & reduce your total number of deliveries! 🥚🥛🧤🥩🐟 This new initiative is designed to increase efficiency with fewer orders and deliveries, offering restaurants the convenience of ordering multiple product lines from a single vendor! This customizable program goes beyond just produce. We’re bringing you streamlined solutions for Film Wrap, Dairy, Gloves, Eggs, Meat, and Seafood—ensuring your deliveries are efficient and tailored to your needs! 🚚 Reach out to your Account Manager to learn more!

President Trump has now confirmed that tariffs under the USMCA, including produce, will not take effect until April 2nd. With that, we will continue to see strong production out of South Florida on several items, with good quality and availability across multiple commodities with similar conditions being observed in Nogales and McAllen. Markets are much tighter this week on tomatoes as we start the transition from the Winter crops to Spring. Tomatoes out of Florida will be tight for the next three to four weeks which is pushing buyers west to Mexico. We are also seeing short supply on Yellow Squash, premium sized Green Bells, Pickles, Shishitos, Red Fresnos and Caribe Peppers. The Offshore Table Grape season has improved with stable supply. Melons have also turned the corner, showing excellent volume and quality out of the ports as well as crossing through Nogales. Banana and Pineapple availability remains limited; shippers are asking we continue to be flexible in Pineapple sizes. Avocado market conditions remain strong this week, with high demand, particularly for small- and medium-sized fruit, keeping prices elevated. The price gap between large and small fruit is beginning to narrow as smaller sizes climb in value. Transition has started and you will see growers moving into Huron, Oxnard and Salinas. It is always a hectic time, but the growers are doing everything they can to ensure a smooth transition. Unfortunately, the weather is once again a bit of a challenge in Yuma. Lettuce is already seeing tighter supplies and lighter weights. Cauliflower has improved since last week and is no longer escalated. We also know that bugs will be a potential issue, especially on Cilantro and Kale, so we will continue to keep a close eye on those items. Endive, Escarole, Cilantro, and Spinach remain escalated, with supply shortages driving the market. Bok Choy, Fennel and Leeks remain at the extreme trigger level and Napa has also been added to the Extreme list. Red Cabbage is still slightly escalated and looks like it will remain that way through transition.

📊 Commodity Report – March 24 🐔 Poultry: Harvest down. Breasts up, wings down, eggs plunge. 🥩 Beef: Cattle record high. Loins, chucks rise with grill demand. 🐖 Pork: Cutout dips. Ribs up, bellies fall. Tariff concerns linger. 🥑 Produce: Iceberg & romas spike. Avocados rise, onions steady. 🧈 Dairy: Butter, cheese drop. Milk up, demand soft. 🌾 Grains: Wheat cools. Eyes on drought & exports. 🐟 Seafood: Frozen cod soars—highest in 16 months. Spring surge ahead. For deeper dives into protein and produce insights, our Fresh Solutions brands—Produce Alliance, LLC., Fresh Concepts LLC and Fresh Alliance—deliver expertise operators need to stay ahead. Visit the Operator Support Center for essential data to help you buy smarter and operate stronger. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eqZi3uBB