Asparagus

Prices continue to inch higher. Markon First Crop (MFC) Asparagus is available.

Mexico

• Current quality is fair; elevated levels of feathered/spread tips and reduced shelf-life have been noted
• The Baja season is past peak production and nearly finished
• Production will move north and east towards Caborca, Sonora, and Mexicali over the next month
  • Size is dominated by small spears
  • Markets for the extra-large and jumbo sizes remain elevated, while prices for small and standard sizes are at average levels
• Limited supplies are forecast for the next six to eight weeks; there is potential for a short-lived supply gap early next year

Northern Peru

• Availability of imported supplies (shipped into Miami, Florida) is steady to slightly lower as the southern hemisphere enters summer
• Quality is strong and holding up well, despite the longer transit time
• Production out of Northern Peru will be essential to smooth any supply gaps and calm markets over the next one to two months

Avocadoes

Large-size avocados remain extremely limited as Mexico’s current crop is dominated by small-size fruit.

Mexico

• Large sizes (32- to 48-count supplies) are limited; markets are elevated
• Small sizes (60- to 70-count stocks) are plentiful; prices are inching down
• Prices for large sizes will remain elevated over the next three weeks

Colombia

• Imports will ship into the East Coast through May; these supplies only account for 5% of U.S. demand
• The crop is currently dominated by small sizes (60- to 84-count fruit)
• Quality is comparable to that in Mexico; texture is creamy and oil content is high

Broccoli

MFC Premium Broccoli is available in Yuma, Arizona and Mexico (loading in South Texas) 

• Supplies are widely available, but demand is strengthening; markets are steady at slightly above average levels this week
  • West Coast supplies are completely exhausted
  • New crop Arizona-California desert region supplies are exhibiting strong quality
  • Recent weather is cooler than average; fields in regions experiencing overnight frosts will see yields reduced and smaller crown sizing
  • Weak demand is forecast at the end of the year, which will keep markets steady as supplies tighten over the next 7-10 days
• Mexican stocks are adequate
  • Quality ranges from good to very good
  • Markets remain lower than those on the West Coast, though potential FOB cost and freight savings are diminishing as domestic markets trend lower
• Expect industry prices to remain steady to slightly lower as available volume continues increasing this month

Brussels Sprouts

MFC and Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Brussels Sprouts are available.

Salinas Valley

• Markets are steady amid good supplies and strong quality
• There is good availability on all sizes; medium size is dominating supplies
• The season will continue through December to early January, until supplies run out
• Christmas and holiday demand is strong

Mexico

• The season will begin harvesting in a limited manner next week
• Although it’s still early, quality reports are positive in the Baja-Mexicali growing region
• Weather is favorable with minimal chances of rain this month

• Expect fairly steady pricing through December, with potential to rise as holiday demand strengthens in the next two weeks

Bell Peppers

Due to cold weather, California red bell pepper supplies will tighten up this week; markets will climb. Overall, green bell pepper volume is low; production is off to a slow start in Florida and Mexico. MFC and Markon Essentials (ESS) Green and Red Bell Peppers are available.

Red Bells

• The California desert is experiencing lower temperatures this week (daytime highs of 67F and evening lows of 37F)
  • Expect much lower yields as the California season winds down over the next three weeks
  • Quality is average
  • Large sizes are limited
• Supplies are extremely tight in Central Mexico supply (crossing in S. Texas) due to poor growing conditions
• Choice-grade fruit is minimal out of Western Mexico; the main Culiacan season will start at the end of December
• The Canadian greenhouse season has ended
• Expect higher prices for the next two weeks

Green Bells

• California’s Coachella desert season is finishing this week
• West Coast demand has shifted to Mexico
• Production has been sluggish in Western Mexico due to cooler evening temperatures (mid-40F)
  • Quality is good; however, large sizes are limited
  • Volume is expected to ramp up at the end of December as more growers come online
• Yields are low in Central Mexico due to cooler weather and reduced winter daylight
• Growers have started harvesting in Central Florida; expect increased volume over the next week
• Warmer weather in South Florida will continue aiding growth for the next few weeks
• Expect slightly higher prices this week

Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melons

Central American melon supplies are extremely limited following the effects of Tropical Storm Sara. Markets are rising; demand exceeds supply.  

Cantaloupe

Central American

• Offshore shipments of Central American cantaloupes are arriving by vessel into domestic ports
• Tropical Storm Sara brought heavy rains in Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras three weeks ago, resulting in lower yields and delayed shipments

• Quality is good; cantaloupes are more resistant to rain-related issues compared to honeydews
• Markon recommends increased order lead time to maximize coverage over the next three to four weeks

• Expect elevated markets and low volume through early January

Honeydew

Central American/Mexican

• Mexican supplies are continuing to cross into Nogales, Arizona
  • Markets are trailing slightly below those of Central American melons
  • Demand will strengthen as volume decreases; growers in Sonora, Mexico will finish their season the last week of December
  • Tight supplies will ship from Southern Mexico through February
• Offshore/Central American honeydews are extremely limited
  • Demand exceeds supply
  • Rains brought by Tropical Storm Sara are negatively impacting quality, resulting in lower yields and delayed shipments
• Markon recommends increased order lead time to maximize coverage over the next three to four weeks

• Expect limited supplies and elevated markets through early January when Costa Rica and Honduras will come into play

Cauliflower

ESS Cauliflower is sporadically available; packer label is being substituted as necessary.

• Continued cold weather out of the Salinas and Yuma growing regions is rapidly inflating markets
• Supplies are tight as volume out of Salinas is dwindling and fields in the desert are not maturing fast enough
• Quality is fairly good; sizing is skewed towards smaller heads
• Inconsistent weather continues to hamper growth; colder temperatures this week have forced suppliers to harvest ahead of schedule, causing 9-count to be limited
• Frost is forecast to hit the desert this week, raising concern for discoloration/black spotting, possible mildew pressure, and harvest delays
• Strong holiday demand is expected to drive the market up

• Markets are projected to stay elevated through the month of December, with some relief towards the end of the month as demand eases and volumes increase

Christmas and New Years Day Schedule 2024-2025

The Markon office will observe the Christmas and New Year’s holidays and will be closed on Wednesday, December 25, and Wednesday, January 1. Many Shippers will operate on abbreviated loading hours on Tuesday, December 24 and Tuesday, December 31. Both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, orders must be submitted to Markon by 8:00 AM (PST) for loading the remainder of the week.

All suppliers listed below will be closed on both Christmas and New Year’s day resuming normal loading hours Thursday, December 26 and Thursday, January 2.

Christmas Eve/Tuesday, December 24

• Idaho, Oregon, and Washington onion and potato suppliers will have limited loading hours
• Arizona, California, East Coast, and South Texas suppliers will have limited loading hours
• Misionero will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (MST)
• Taylor Farms will be open from 8:00 a.m. to NOON (MST)

• 4-Earth Farms will be open from 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (PST)

New Year’s Eve/Tuesday, December 31

• Idaho, Oregon, and Washington onion and potato suppliers will have limited loading hours
• Arizona, California, East Coast, and South Texas suppliers will have limited loading hours
• Misionero will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (MST)
• Taylor Farms will be open from 8:00 a.m. to NOON (MST)

• 4-Earth Farms will be open from 2:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (PST)

Citrus

The California Navel orange season is in full swing. Domestic lemons are plentiful.

Oranges

• MFC and ESS Navel Oranges are available
• Growers are currently shipping out of Arizona, California, Florida, and Mexico
• Supplies are dominated by small sizes (113- through 138-count fruit); this market has reached the bottom
• Large sizes (56- through 88-count stocks) are becoming more available; prices remain elevated, but will inch down as the season progresses
• Quality is excellent

Lemons

• MFC and ESS Lemons are available  
• Supplies are dominated by small sizes (140- through 165-count fruit); markets for 95- through 115-count supplies have inched down
• Quality is excellent
• Expect steady markets and ample supplies through December

Cucumbers

Cucumber prices are low due to decreased demand and ample supplies. MFC Cucumbers are available.

• Volume is high in Sinaloa, Mexico
  • Quality is excellent
  • Growers are also harvesting in Sonora, Baja, and Central Mexico
• Yields are increasing in South Florida; quality is good
• Central Florida is expecting minimal supply levels this winter due to Hurricane Milton
• Honduran imports will start entering Florida in late December

• Expect low/steady markets over the next two weeks

From the Fields: Desert Growing Region Cold Trend

The Arizona/California desert growing region is experiencing windy conditions and cool temperatures which will last through the weekend. The forecast for Wednesday, December 11, calls for temperatures in the upper 20°s/mid-30°s. Widespread lettuce ice conditions are expected.

Short-term quality challenges such as dehydration, light case weights, and stalled plant growth are anticipated as well as harvesting and loading delays for most desert row crops through Friday, December 13.

Markon inspectors will be monitoring supplies closely and will continue to update with any developments.

From the Fields: Widespread Lettuce Ice in the Desert Region

Please ­­­click here to view a Markon Live from the Fields video highlighting low temperatures that have caused lettuce ice in the Arizona/California desert growing region.

• The Arizona/California desert growing region is experiencing the coldest weather of the season, causing significant lettuce ice
• After several days of cool wind gusts, morning temperatures have dipped into the upper 20°s to low 30°s
• Short-term challenges include:
  • Dehydration
  • Harvesting and loading delays
  • Stalled plant growth
• Markon inspectors are monitoring crops and supplies closely for long-term quality challenges that include:
  • Discoloration
  • Epidermal blister/peel
  • Low case weights
  • Shortened shelf-life

Grapes

Expect prices to continue climbing as the California season winds down. Offshore delays are being reported; expect tight supplies through December.

California

• MFC and ESS Grapes are available
• California green grape shipments have ended

• California red grapes will ship until late December
• California portioned grapes are forecast to ship through late January
• Quality is good; some soft/damaged fruit is being reported
• Expect markets to gradually increase until the California season fully ends

Offshore/Peru/Chile

• Green grapes have begun shipping; some port delays are being reported
• Red grapes are expected to begin shipping in early January
• Portioned grapes will enter the market in late January
• Expect tight supplies and rising prices through December

Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine Lettuces

Green leaf, iceberg, and romaine supplies are ample in the Arizona-California desert region.

• MFC Premium Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine are available
• A recent warming trend in the Arizona-California desert increased field weights and supplies of all lettuce crops
• Weather patterns have shifted this week, resulting in the first significant lettuce ice events of the season
• Current quality is strong with ideal densities
  • Continued lettuce ice events will degrade quality
  • Dehydration, epidermal blister/peel, and lower weights are anticipated in the coming weeks
• Although holiday demand is strong, markets are steady to slightly lower due to abundant supplies
• Expect persistently weak prices through the end of the year, despite lettuce ice events, as demand subsides

Mixed Berries

Mixed berry supplies are ample. Raspberry and blackberry quality is improving weekly due to ideal growing conditions.

Blueberries

• Demand is steady
• Quality is good
• Production has begun in Mexico
• Peruvian berries are available
• Chilean shipments will start arriving at the end of the month
• Expect markets to remain low

Blackberries

• Mexican berry yields are increasing
• Quality is good, soft skins and red cells have been reported
• Expect steady prices

Raspberries

• Central Mexico’s weather has improved, increasing stocks
• Size is dominated by medium-size berries
• Quality is good; over-ripe berries with light crumbling (individual cells separate from the berry) have been reported

• Demand is steady

Strawberries

The Santa Maria strawberry season is past its peak; harvesting will continue for two more weeks. Production is ramping up in Mexico and Florida.

Santa Maria, CA

• The fall crop has passed its peak; volume is down trending
• Size currently ranges from small to small-medium (24-28 per one pound clamshell)
• Quality is fair; some softness and green shoulders have been reported
• Expect markets to climb as yields fall

Oxnard, CA

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Volume is increasing
• Size currently ranges from medium to large (18-21 per one pound clamshell)
• Quality is good; color is deep red and flavor is sweet
• Expect markets to remain steady

Mexico (into South Texas)

• Early season volume is low
• Size currently ranges from medium to large (22-26 per one pound clamshell)
• Quality is good; small size, white shoulders, and misshaped berries have been reported
• Markets are high

Florida

• Cool temperatures have slowed growth

• Supplies are limited
• Berries range from small-medium to medium in size (24-28 per one pound clamshell)
• Quality will improve in the coming weeks; green tips and light bruising have been reported

Tomatoes

Roma and round tomato supplies are extremely limited. Prices will escalate/peak over the next two weeks. MFC Tomatoes are available; packer label may be substituted in some instances.

Round

• East Coast production is extremely limited due to past hurricanes
  • Volume is extremely low in Florida’s Ruskin/Palmetto region; most fruit is off-grade
  • Expect harvesting to begin in Central and South Florida in early to mid-January
• Expect tight Mexican stocks over the next two weeks
  • The Baja season will end this week; size ranges from small to medium
  • Extra-large sizes (4×4 and 4×5) are especially snug
  • Central Mexican crops (crossing into South Texas) are in seasonal decline with very low production and average quality
  • Harvesting will start slowly in Western Mexico by late December; volume levels will be reached in early January
  • Expect elevated prices until both South Florida and Western Mexico are in full production

Roma

• East Coast stocks are extremely snug
  • Production is winding down in Georgia and Quincy, Florida this week
  • Expect limited availability and higher markets over the next five weeks
• Mexican supplies are tight as the Baja season is ending and Central Mexico harvests are in seasonal decline
  • Small sizes are most common
  • Quality is hit or miss
  • Culiacan growers report low volume in early crops
  • Expect higher prices over the next two weeks

Grape & Cherry Varieties

• Baja production is finishing up
• Central Mexican volume is very low
• Overall supplies will rebound over the next two weeks as harvesting gets underway in South Florida and Western Mexico
• Elevated prices will persist over the next two weeks

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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