Cauliflower

Cauliflower markets continue to climb due to low yields; warmer weather is expected to increase growth next week.

• Markon Essentials (ESS) Cauliflower is sporadically available; packer label is being substituted as necessary
• Prices remain extremely elevated; supplies are tight
• Limited yields out of the Holtville, California and Yuma, Arizona growing regions are pushing pricing upwards
  • Quality is fairly good; size is skewed towards smaller heads
  • Inconsistent weather has hindered growth industry-wide; both day and nighttime temperatures are below seasonal averages
  • Production is several weeks behind normal; cold weather forced growers to harvest ahead of schedule

• Reduced demand during the holidays and next week’s warmer weather will aid growth
• Markets are projected to reach their peak this week and then decline rapidly as ample supplies enter the market

Green Cabbage

Arizona/California Desert

• Total planted acreage this season is down due to repeated years of depressed markets and further irrigation restrictions
• A short supply gap hit many suppliers in mid-to late November, while the market was already elevated, driving high prices
• The Salinas season ended early due to widespread elevated insect pressure and late season heat
• The desert’s first plantings dealt with sporadic weather patterns, delaying harvests
• Consistent demand from salad processors throughout this time further inflated pricing
• Expect the market to decline through the end of this year, as mild weather finally brings on better supplies

Southeast

• Georgia’s season is off to a slow start due to cold weather and crop damage from Hurricane Helene and Milton
• North and Central Florida are beginning to see light volumes
• Expect the market to remain steady for the next two weeks

Texas/Mexico

• The season has started in South Texas (Donna region); production is light
• Sizing is predominantly medium for green and red varieties; jumbos are snug
• Quality is good; expect production to continue ramping up through mid-January
• Central Mexico cabbage, crossing into South Texas, has poor/average quality
• Jumbo sizes are mostly underweight, undersized, or unavailable due to drought issues

Limes

Lime markets are starting to rise as volume declines.

• Markon First Crop (MFC) and ESS Limes are available
• Harvests will be limited in Veracruz, Mexico this week due to rain moving into growing areas
  • Quality is good
  • Rain may lead to increased percentages of oil spotting, scarring, and stylar
• Production will be minimal next week as harvesting crews take time off in observation of the Christmas holiday
  • To avoid loading delays, Markon recommends advanced lead time for orders loading next week
  • Substituting packer label for MFC and ESS Limes may be required for late orders or additions
• Current crops are dominated by large, 110- through 150-count limes
• Smaller, 200- through 250-count fruit is becoming limited commanding higher prices
• Expect markets to inch up over the next two to three weeks

Live From the Fields: AZ/CA Desert Region Quality

Please ­­­click here to view a Markon Live from the Fields video regarding the current quality in the AZ/CA desert growing region.

• Ideal weather conditions aided growth in November and December
• Lettuce and other desert row crops including value-added items are demonstrating great quality and high yields
• Supplies are abundant throughout the desert growing region

Pending East Coast and Gulf Coast Port Strike(s)

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have not reached a new master agreement per the contract extension last October that expires January 15, 2025. The new contract may include a 62% raise in wages over the next six years. The current impasse is the increased use of semi-automated cranes that eliminate union jobs.

• Potential ports affected include Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Hampton Roads, Houston, Jacksonville, Miami, Mobile, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Savannah, Tampa, and Wilmington
• Key items that may be delayed by strikes are asparagus, bananas, blueberries, cucumbers, grapes, limes, melons, and pineapples

Squash

Squash prices are dropping quickly due to abundant supplies and weak demand. New crop harvesting is now established in South Florida and Sinaloa, Mexico. MFC Zucchini and Yellow Squash supplies are available.

Mexico

• The Sinaloa growing region is producing ample supplies this week
• Growers are shipping plentiful stocks out of Sonora, Mexico as well
• Overall quality is very good

Florida

• Production has begun in South Florida; stocks are increasing
• Central Florida volume will increase next week
• Expect low zucchini and yellow squash markets this week; it is an excellent time to promote squash

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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