Most tomato growers transition to new harvesting regions during late October. Devasting hurricanes greatly impacted crops and will significantly reduce availability in Florida through November and December. Expect very turbulent markets this fall season. Markon First Crop (MFC) Tomatoes are available.

East Coast

• Yields are increasing in South Georgia and Quincy, Florida
• Category 3 Hurricane Milton pushed through Central Florida in early October, directly impacting Florida’s Ruskin and Palmetto growing regions
  • A 75-80% loss is forecast for the Ruskin/Palmetto season (mid-October to late November)
  • Some growers are enacting Act of God clauses on existing contracts due to the extreme damage
  • Growers are re-planting in Central Florida; expect increased volume in late December
  • Yields will be 20-25% below normal in Immokalee and South Florida
• Limited supplies will be available in Alabama and South Carolina
• Production is ending in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions due to falling temperatures
• Markets are poised to increase rapidly, as overall supply decreases over the next month

California

• Production in the San Joaquin Valley will end this week; expect very tight stocks through October
• Quality is merely average as plants are tired
• Round tomato supplies are extremely scarce

Mexico

• Previously inclement weather is reducing overall yields in Central and Eastern Mexico, with the exceptions of grape and cherry tomatoes, as new crop harvests are underway
• Baja production is up slightly
  • Additional growers are beginning fall harvesting
  • Quality is improving
  • All sizes are available
• Persistent water shortages are expected to impact the mainland season (Sinaloa/Culiacan) in late December

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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