Asparagus

Although prices remain elevated, they are beginning to ease. Peruvian imports are lighter; MX production is preparing to increase. Markon First Crop (MFC) Asparagus is available.

Mexico

• New crop MFC Asparagus quality is very good to excellent
• Production out of northwestern Mexico (Caborca) will continue to ramp up slowly over the next month
• Extra-large and jumbo-size supplies remain limited, but availability is increasing alongside additional harvesting
• Expect markets to continue to ease over the next two to four weeks as production increases

Peru

• Stocks (shipped into Miami, Florida) are lighter as yields begin to drop off amid hotter weather
• Quality is fair and holding up well despite longer transit times, but continues to trend lower
• With the threat of port strikes avoided for now, marine shipping and receiving schedules will return to normal

Avocados

The industry remains in a demand-exceeds-supply situation. For the next two weeks, expect extremely low volume and higher prices.

Mexico

• All sizes remain extremely tight
• Size and grade substitutions may be requested to fill orders
• Quality is good; checkerboarding (uneven ripening within a case) has been reported
• Expect elevated markets and tight supplies through the next two 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

California

• Regular inspection schedules will resume in mid-January
• New crop production will start in late January
• Once this season begins, supplies will help fill the void from Mexico-grown product

Bell Peppers

Green bell pepper volume is peaking in Mexico; prices are low. Red bell supply levels are expected to increase over the next two weeks; markets will inch down. MFC and Markon Essentials (ESS) Green and Red Bell Peppers are available.

Green Bells

• Mexican supplies are abundant out of the Sinaloa region this week
  • Quality is very good; all sizes are available
  • Markets are much lower at promotable levels
• Florida has moderate production despite some cold weather
  • Rain may slow harvesting over the next few days
  • Quality is good
• Expect the overall markets to fall into promotable levels over the next week

Red Bells

• Sinaloa, Mexico has favorable growing conditions
  • Supplies are sufficient and will increase by the end of January
  • All sizes are available
  • New crop quality is very good
  • The Central Mexico greenhouse season (crossing in South Texas) is winding down; quality is average
• California’s Coachella season is finished
• Expect slightly lower prices next week

Broccoli

MFC Premium Broccoli is being harvested in Arizona, Northern Mexico, and Central Mexico (loading in South Texas).

Arizona and California Desert/California’s Central Coast

• Markets are steady at low levels in all regions, but are poised to rise following cooler weather
• While supplies are currently widely available; yields will begin trending lower
  • Lower temperatures and overnight frosts are hindering crown maturity
  • Recent strong winds are dehydrating plants and slowing growth
• New crop Arizona/California desert region quality is strong; color is consistently green, mechanical damage is minimal, and insect pressure is low
• Limited production also continues in Santa Maria, California
• Expect industrywide prices to inch higher alongside rising demand

Mexico

• Mexican-grown MFC broccoli is available in South Texas; quality is very good
• Markets are steady to lower this week, but pricing is similar to the Arizona/California desert
• Expect pricing to remain lower and availability better over the next two to three weeks as domestic markets rise and supplies fall

Cauliflower

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

• Prices are stabilizing
• Supplies are shipping out of the Holtville, California and Yuma, Arizona growing regions; Santa Maria, California yields are low
  • Strong winds and colder weather are forecast this week; frost conditions and harvesting delays are possible
  • Low ground temperatures after several consecutive days can slow plant maturity
  • Quality is fairly good, but there is some potential for discoloration, spotting, and bruising next week
• Weak demand has forced suppliers to disk unused cauliflower heads the past two weeks

• Markets are projected to inch back up in the next 7-10 days as demand increases and supplies begin to tighten

Cilantro

Markets are steady at low levels; supplies remain available across several growing regions but will tighten up as January progresses.

• California growers are harvesting in Oxnard, Holtville, and Santa Maria, while Arizona production is taking place in the Yuma Valley and near Scottsdale; product from Northern Mexico is also available l
• The Arizona-California desert and Southern California growing regions have experienced persistently strong winds over the last week, with more forecast

• • Markon suppliers continue to shift between growing/sourcing regions to ensure the best quality, however expect to see elevated levels of:
  • Damaged leaves, tip burn, yellowing/early breakdown
• Prices will range from steady to slightly higher for the next 10-14 days as demand increases

Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melon

Central American cantaloupe and honeydew melons remain extremely limited due to past storms and cold weather; demand exceeds supply.  

Cantaloupe

Central America

• Stocks are extremely limited
• Cold weather and sporadic rains are slowing production and delaying replanted growth/secondary harvesting regions
• Growers are reporting reduced yields and delayed shipments as a result of the flooding brought by Tropical Storm Sara

• All sizes are tight; size substitutions may be recommended based on availability

• Markon recommends increased order lead time to maximize coverage
• Expect elevated markets and tight supplies to continue over the next three to four weeks

Honeydew

Mexican/Central American

• Mexican supplies (crossing into Nogales, Arizona) will remain tight until new crop production starts in Northern Mexico in March
• Volume is extremely low
• Cold weather and sporadic rains are slowing production and delaying replanted growth/secondary harvesting regions
• Growers are reporting reduced yields and delayed shipments as a result of the flooding brought by Tropical Storm Sara

• All sizes are limited; size substitutions may be recommended based on availability

• High prices will persist over the next three to four weeks

Citrus

Expect steady markets and ample supplies through February.

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)
• Expect the overall size structure to even out next month
• 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 February

From the Fields: Desert Region Weather Update

The Arizona-California desert growing region experienced several days of strong wind gusts reaching 45mph from Tuesday, January 7 through Friday, January 10, resulting in light lettuce ice.

The forecast now calls for morning lows to dip into the mid-20°s to mid-30°s over the weekend, creating conditions for more lettuce ice to develop.

Markon inspectors are monitoring crops closely for short- and long-term quality challenges that include:

• Dehydration
• Dirt on the product
• Discoloration
• Epidermal blister/discolored peel
• Fringe burn
• Light case weights
• Loss of vibrancy
• Shorten shelf-life
• Wind damage

From the Fields (update): Impacts of Desert Wind and Ice

MFC Lettuces are limited in the desert growing region; Markon Best Available is being substituted as needed.

Over the past several days, the Arizona/California desert growing region has experienced strong winds, with gusts of up to 30 mph, followed by cold mornings with lows in the upper 20°s to mid-30°s. Although winds are expected to subside, their impact combined with freezing morning temperatures, is already being felt.

Commodity and value-added lettuce and tender leaf items are most sensitive to the above-mentioned conditions and are now exhibiting some of the following after-effects:

• Dehydration
• Decreased case weights
• Dull appearance/loss of vibrancy
• Elevated levels of dirt
• Epidermal blistering and peeling
• Shortened shelf-life potential
• Wind damage
• Yellowing leaves

Lettuce ice conditions remain in the forecast through the middle of next week, making this cold snap a significant event that will impact desert region supplies for several weeks to come. Markon inspectors are working with growers to select the best product for Markon orders.

From the Fields: Widespread Lettuce Ice in the Desert Region

The Arizona/California desert growing region will be experiencing the coldest week of the winter growing season so far this week. Widespread moderate-to heavy lettuce ice this is developing this morning after morning lows dip into the low 30°s. Harvesting delays of 3-4 hours are being reported for most desert row crop items. Loading delays can also be anticipated.

Daytime highs will be in the low-to mid-60s, but cold mornings with lettuce ice conditions will persist throughout the week, and possibly into early next week.

Markon inspectors are monitoring supplies and field conditions and will update further as needed.

Please click here to view a Markon Live from the Fields video regarding the Arizona/California desert region’s most significant cold snap of the winter season so far.

• Widespread, moderate-to-heavy lettuce ice is expected throughout this entire week in all Arizona and California desert growing areas
• Harvesting delays of three to four hours are being reported; loading delays can also be expected
• This significant freeze event will have lasting effects on the quality of many desert row crop items
• Lettuces and tender leaf items are the most susceptible to freeze-related quality and shelf-life challenges
• Apart from quality, plant growth will also be affected as ground temperatures decrease this week
• Markon inspectors are monitoring conditions and will update further as needed

Green leaf, Iceberg, and romaine Lettuce

Despite repeated lettuce ice events, current supplies of green leaf, iceberg, and romaine remain abundant in the Arizona-California desert region.

• MFC Premium Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine are available; MBA is being substituted as needed
• Quality is very good
  • Most lots are meeting MFC specifications
  • Some fields are being impacted by excessive dirt in and at the base of heads following strong winds, requiring additional peeling of outer leaves and reduced case weights
  • Minor blistering and peeling are being found in some heads; the prevalence of freeze-related damage will increase in the coming weeks
• Demand is weak, slowing market increases
• Expect steady pricing through this week, with markets beginning to inch up next week as continued cold weather and lettuce ice events decrease production.

Green Onions

Green onion prices are weak; supplies are plentiful.

• Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Washed & Trimmed Green Onions are available
• Gusty winds with accompanying thunderstorms have remained isolated to the Northeast of Yuma, Arizona and to the south of Baja, Mexico, away from the primary growing region of Mexicali, Mexico
• Markon will continue to monitor nighttime temperatures for freezing conditions; however, daytime highs remain above the seasonal average which is promoting growth

• Expect markets to inch higher as demand returns in earnest this month, but to remain relatively steady for at least the next 10-14 days

Imported Stone Fruit

The imported stone fruit season is underway. Supply levels will increase through January.

Peaches/Nectarines

• Supplies are limited, but increasing daily
• Quality is good: sugar levels range from 10 to 12 Brix
• The season will run through April
• Expect elevated markets until the domestic season starts in May

Plums

• Volume is low, yet rising
• Quality is good: sugar levels range from 12 to 14 Brix
• The season will run through May
• High prices will persist until the domestic season starts in May

Mixed Berries

Cold weather will slow raspberry growth in Central Mexico through next month.

Blueberries

• Demand is steady
• Supplies are ample
• Quality is very good
• Production has begun to slow in Mexico
• Peruvian berries are available
• Chilean shipments have begun arriving to U.S. ports
• Expect markets to remain level

Blackberries

• Mexican berry yields are sufficient
• Supplies are steady
• Quality is good; soft skins and red cells have been reported
• Prices are stable

Raspberries

• Mexican supplies are limited
• Cooler weather has slowed growth
• Medium-size berries dominate harvests
• Quality is good; light color has been reported

• Expect elevated prices for another four weeks

Pineapples

Pineapple supplies are expected to remain tight for the next two weeks; prices are high.

• Recent rain and cloudy weather have slowed fruit growth and reduced yields in Costa Rica
• All sizes are limited; order flexibility will help with coverage
• Crownless stocks are the scarcest as most growers focus on packing crowned fruit first
• Poor road and weather conditions stateside, as well as port congestion, have further tightened day-to-day availability this week

Potatoes

Idaho’s cold weather will cause delays for the next two weeks, while quality issues in some Colorado sheds are reducing volume. Expect prices to rise in the coming weeks, especially for larger sizes (40-count through 70-count supplies).

• Colorado supplies are tight; several cellars have been passed over due to pink rot
• Demand is shifting to Idaho and Washington
• Size profile is dominated by 80-count and smaller stocks in Idaho
• Below-freezing temperatures are forecast to persist in Eastern and Southern Idaho over the next two weeks
  • Temperatures need to be 18°F or higher for 5 to 7 hours to haul potatoes from cellars to packing sheds; hauling when temperatures are below 18°F will freeze them
  • Expect reduced production and delayed loading; advanced order lead time is highly recommended for order fulfillment
  • Many suppliers will utilize onsite storage to cover orders

Red and Yellow Potatoes

Markets are on the rise as several seasons wind down. MFC Red and Yellow Potatoes are available in Idaho, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.  

Idaho

• Markets for small B and C sizes are climbing due to strong demand
• Prices for large A sizes are stable
• Quality is very good
• Overall prices will increase as demand shifts to Idaho when other seasons end

North Dakota

• Red prices are up; yellow markets are steady
• Quality is very good; reds are exhibiting light color
• Red A No. 2s and yellow B No. 1s are ample

Wisconsin

• The red season will end next week
• Yellows will be available until late February; prices will inch up as the season winds down
• Red quality is good; yellows are exhibiting some dark spots
• Red B-size supplies are limited

Colorado

• Red markets are increasing while yellow prices remain steady
• Quality is good
  • Reds are pale in color
  • Yellows are exhibiting occasional dark spots
• The red season will wind down over the next six to eight weeks

Michigan

• Red prices are climbing; yellow markets are holding steady
• Quality very good; reds are light in color
• Reds are dominated by A-size stocks; all yellows are abundant

Washington

• Both red and yellow markets are increasing due to strong demand and tight supplies
• Quality is very good; color is deep

Florida

• Supplies will be available start shipping the last week of January
• Excellent quality is expected due to optimal growing conditions
• Elevated markets will start the season

Seedless lemons

California seedless lemons are harvested and shipped year-round.

• External color and size structure mirror seeded lemons
• Prices are higher; supplies are ample
• Quality is excellent

Strawberries

Cold weather is delaying berry maturation in all growing regions, resulting in light-colored fruit.

Santa Maria, CA

• The fall crop has passed its peak; volume is downtrending
• Size ranges from small to small-medium (20-28 berries per one-pound clamshell)
• Quality is good; white shoulders and light bruising are issues
• The spring season is getting started; fruit size is large (9-12 berries per one-pound clamshell)
• Expect markets to remain fairly steady

Oxnard, CA

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Winter seasonal volume has passed its peak; the spring crop will get underway soon
• Size currently ranges from medium to large (20-24 berries per one-pound clamshell)
• Quality is good; color is deep red and flavor is sweet
• Expect stable prices

Mexico (into South Texas)

• The season is at its peak; yields are high
• Size currently ranges from medium to large (22-26 berries per one-pound clamshell)
• Quality is good; small size, white shoulders, and misshaped berries have been reported
• Markets are high due to cooler weather

Florida

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Cool weather has slowed growth

• Supply levels and size are increasing
• Berries range from small-medium to medium in size (24-28 per one-pound clamshell)
• Quality is good

Squash

Squash prices are rising; supplies are snug due to cold weather. MFC Zucchini and Yellow Squash supplies are available.

• Supplies are tight due to recent cold weather in Western Mexico; yellow squash varieties are more susceptible to low temperatures
• Florida yellow squash is also limited due to both low temperatures and limited winter plantings
• Overall quality is good
• Expect higher prices over the next two weeks, especially for yellow squash

Tomatoes

Prices are falling as growers begin harvesting new crop fields in Southern Florida and Western Mexico. Overall volume is increasing. MFC Tomatoes are available.

Round

• East Coast production is extremely limited due to past hurricanes
  • South Florida is starting to harvest post-hurricane tomato plantings
  • The Central Florida season will start next week
  • Florida is expecting temperatures as low as 40 degrees next weekend (January 10 and 11) which could slow growth slightly but shouldn’t affect current supplies
• Stocks are increasing in Western Mexico after the holiday despite cool weather; quality is excellent
• Production is wrapping up in Central Mexico and Baja; quality is fair
• Expect lower prices over the next two weeks

Roma

• East Coast stocks are increasing as production begins in Southern and Central Florida
• Volume is increasing in Western Mexico; however, it’s slightly behind round tomato yields
  • New crop quality is very good
  • All sizes are available

• Prices will decrease over the next two weeks

Grape & Cherry Varieties

• Volume is increasing in Southern Florida
• Supplies are abundant in Western Mexico
• Expect lower prices over the next two weeks
• Excellent time to promote grape tomatoes

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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