Bell Peppers

Green Bells

• Markon First Crop and Markon Essentials Green Bell Peppers are available
• California’s growing regions volume is light as they transition to fall production blocks
  • XL sizes are limited; quality is very good
• The East Coast will have lighter supplies as production transitions to Georgia and the Carolinas over the next one to two weeks
  • New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Michigan harvest areas are tight; quality is average in the more mature fields
  • Many local deals have finished due to end of the season and/or previous weather affecting production and quality
• Central Mexico summer season crossing into South Texas is slowing down; quality is good, and all sizes are available
• Expect markets to increase

Red Bells

• Markon First Crop and Markon Essentials Red Bell Peppers are available

• California supplies are lower overall due to increased demand
  • Quality is excellent; thick walls and good color
• Canadian greenhouse supply is lighter due to weather (overcast/rain); XL size is limited
• Central Mexico greenhouse peppers crossing into South Texas have new crops and excellent quality
• East Coast volume is tight; prices are elevated
• Markets are expected to increase slightly

Broccoli

Salinas Valley and Santa Maria, California

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Broccoli is available in Salinas, California
• The current quality is excellent; however, yields are lower than prior weeks due to inconsistent weather patterns
• Demand is strong; prices are expected to maintain high levels into next week

Mexican Broccoli Crossing into South Texas

• MFC Broccoli is available loading in Pharr, Texas
• Industry supplies will be tight over the next 7-10 days following recent heavy rainfall
• Demand for Mexican products is stronger
  • East Coast supplies have decreased
  • West Coast yields are lower
• Expect higher prices over the next 7-10 days

Brussels Sprouts

• Industry supplies have increased in Salinas and Santa Maria, California; prices are easing
• Quality and size profile has greatly improved; burn and early breakdown are no longer significant issues at the field level
• Expect lower prices as California production continues to increase

Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine Markets

• Iceberg and romaine markets have peaked, and are poised to decrease into next week. Green leaf markets are steady at low levels
• Markon First Crop (MFC) Premium Green Leaf is available
• MFC Premium Iceberg and Romaine are sporadic; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted as needed
• Salinas Valley yields and carton weights have improved from recent weeks, but remain lighter than normal due to variable weather patterns
• Quality is good: limited amounts of fringe burn, internal burn, mildew pressure, and seeder are being detected at the field level

Idaho Potatoes

• Supplies of large-size (40- to 70-count) MFC Potatoes are increasing
• Markets are expected to ease over the next two weeks
• Minor skinning and excess moisture will be observed in fresh-run potatoes

Limited Green Bean Supplies

• Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Trimmed Green Beans are very limited; packer label may be substituted as needed
• Ohio has limited volume due to heavy summer rains and insect damage
• New York and Virginia supplies are lower from previous weather including Hurricane Ida
  • Quality is average
  • New fall crops in Virginia and Georgia are expected to begin in 1-2 weeks
• California’s hot summer limited harvest in the state
• Colorado is experiencing increased demand; availability should improve next week
• The Baja Peninsula in Mexico has limited harvest due to recent Hurricane Olaf
• Expect better supply next week, however, normal volume isn’t anticipated until mid- to late November when mainland Mexico season begins
• Prices may increase over the next 1-2 weeks

Strawberries

• MFC Strawberries are available in Santa Maria
  • Quality is good, although bruising is an occasional issue
  • Sizing ranges from medium to large (approximately 16-18 pieces per one-pound clamshell)
• Salinas and Watsonville volumes are diminishing
  • Quality concerns include overripe fruit and bruising
  • Sizing is small to medium (approximately 20-26 pieces per one-pound clamshell)

Yellow Onions

• Sizing continues to be dominated by medium onions as harvest progresses
• Super colossal stocks are tight; demand is shifting to colossal and jumbo sizes, causing markets to inch up
• Expect prices to remain elevated through October and until shippers begin to run heavy for retail Thanksgiving holiday demand
• A smaller size profile, heavy to mediums and jumbos, will persist throughout the Northwest season

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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