Round tomatoes prices have spiked due to low volume caused by this season’s East Coast hurricanes. Current Mexican Roma markets are much lower than those for rounds. Markon recommends substituting Romas for rounds where possible. Markon First Crop (MFC) Tomatoes are available.

Round

• East Coast supplies are limited in the Southeast due to Hurricanes Milton and Helene; Growers have enacted AOG clauses
  • Florida supplies will remain limited through early January
  • Some growers have replanted in Florida, which will increase volume in early 2025
• The California season has ended, shifting demand to Mexico
• Overall Mexican tomato yields are low; growers are harvesting in Baja and Central Mexico
  • Cooler Baja weather has slowed growth
  • Crops from Central and Eastern Mexico (crossing in S. Texas) are snug due to lower temperatures and the normal seasonal decline
  • The main season in Culiacan is expected to start by late December
• Round tomato markets are rising sharply; expect high prices over the next two months

Roma

• East Coast stocks will remain extremely limited until new crop harvesting starts in January
  • The Ruskin/Palmetto region took a direct hit from Hurricane Milton
  • Heavily damaged crops will keep yields low
  • Small size and No. 2 grade supplies will dominate availability
• The California season has ended; however, Mexican Romas are sufficient
  • Roma prices are steady this week and currently half the cost of rounds
  • Demand is expected to strengthen
  • Markon recommends substituting Romas for round tomatoes for the next six weeks, if possible

Grape & Cherry Varieties

• Florida growers are harvesting early crops in South Florida; however, volume is down 75% for this time of year due to past severe storms
• Suppliers are starting fall harvests in Baja; quality is improving
• Central Mexico will have moderate volume over the next two weeks, weather permitting
• Markets are slightly elevated this week

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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