Bell Peppers

Expect rising prices for approximately two weeks. Florida’s cold weather has impacted bell pepper production. Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials (ESS) Green and Red Bell Peppers are available.

Green Bells

• Florida yields are expected to be heavily impacted by recent freezing temperatures
• Growers are currently assessing the damage and yield loss for current plantings, as well as early spring crops
• Mexican supplies are meeting demand in the Sinaloa region (crossing into Nogales, Arizona)
• Volume is low in Central Mexico (crossing into South Texas)
• Expect higher markets over the next two weeks

Red Bells

• Mexico’s Culiacan growing region is shipping moderate volume; past overcast weather slowed the ripening process
• Quality is very good; all sizes are available
• Expect higher temperatures and sunny weather this week
• Availability is lower in Central Mexico (crossing in South Texas)
• Expect very minimal supplies out of Florida due to the recent freeze
• Prices will remain elevated over the next week or two

Brussels Sprouts

Prices are falling and availability is improving as Mexican supplies increase to meet demand. MFC and Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Brussels Sprouts are available.

• New crop supplies have increased in Mexico; plenty of supply is now available
• Lower prices are expected throughout this month
• Quality is great; a wide variety of sprout sizes are available with good color, shape, and minimal seeder
• Mostly dry conditions and moderate temperatures will help aid growth and maximize yields
• Expect easing prices throughout this month

Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine

Iceberg lettuce prices continue to rise. Romaine and green leaf markets are also climbing.

• MFC Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine Lettuces are available; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted as needed
• Supplies remain limited in the Arizona-California desert region; heavy rains followed by sustained above-average temperatures have minimized overall yields
• Warmer weather increased growth; many fields are currently two to three weeks ahead of schedule
• Cold weather varieties have struggled; insect presence is on the rise
• Florida supplies are limited due to freezing temperatures: Low weights are expected as crews trim damage from outer leaves
• Mexican stocks are ample (crossing into South Texas)
• Expect elevated prices and limited supplies for the duration of the Arizona-California desert season

Limes

Prices remain elevated and are expected to stay firm as ongoing quality issues in Mexico limit availability. MFC and ESS Limes are available.

Mexico (into South Texas)

• Stylar-end breakdown, oil spotting, and skin condition issues are increasing significantly following recent rain events; these quality challenges are expected to persist for the next three to four weeks
• The crop is currently dominated by 110– and 150-count fruit, but as growers make their way through these supplies, size will shift smaller fruit in the coming weeks
• Additional grading is keeping costs firm across all sizes
• Supplies will tighten further as Super Bowl promotional demand coincides with reduced volume in Mexico

Colombia

• Quality remains consistent, with fewer stylar and shelf-life concerns compared to Mexico
• Packer-label limes are available for loading out of Florida

Hawaii

• Growers report strong internal quality and high juice content
• Shipments are currently cleared for Canada only, while a federal comment period is underway regarding proposed approval for U.S. mainland access

Red and Yellow Potatoes

Weekend forecasts predict freezing overnight lows that may impact current and upcoming crops throughout Florida. Expect rising prices as the Florida season gets a slow start, pushing demand to other regions. MFC Red and Yellow Potatoes are available in Idaho, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Southern Florida

• Harvesting has started with limited quantities of small/C size supplies
• Mature plants are at minimal risk from the cold as they are near the end of the growth cycle
• Younger plants are expected to recover as growers use additional dirt for protection from freezing temperatures
• The 40-60 day “middle crop” is at the highest risk from the cold weather

Northern Florida

• Approximately 15% of the crop has emerged; if killed by the freeze, replanting will be needed
• Growers are running water to retain soil heat as well as burying emerging plants for added protection
• Northern Florida harvests will be delayed if replanting becomes necessary

Idaho and North Dakota

• MFC Red and Yellow Potatoes are available
• Demand is strong due to delayed harvesting in Florida
• Large-size reds (Premium and A size) are most plentiful; B size red prices are climbing
• Quality is very good; color is deep red in North Dakota

Wisconsin

• MFC Red Potatoes are available; the yellow potato season has ended
• Red potato production will run through mid-February
• Markets are increasing due to rising demand

Colorado

• Both red and yellow stocks are sufficient; demand is stronger for yellows
• Quality is good
  • Reds are pale in color
  • Yellows are exhibiting occasional dark spots
• Prices are climbing

Washington

• Red and yellow supplies are adequate
• Red quality is very good; yellow stocks are occasionally exhibiting lenticels
• Strong demand is driving up prices

Strawberries

Prices are elevated; Valentine’s Day demand is strong. Florida is rebounding from freezing temperatures that greatly reduced yields; this week’s improved weather will increase supplies and improve quality.

Florida

• MFC Strawberries are available

• Cold weather has slowed growth and ripening, decreasing yields
• Berries range from small-medium to medium in size (15-18 per 1-pound clamshell)
• Quality is good; small size, light color, and misshapen berries have been reported

Mexico (into South Texas)

• The season is at its peak; yields are high
• Size currently ranges from medium to large (14-22 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
• Quality is good; small size, white shoulders, and misshapen berries have been reported

Santa Maria, California

• The spring season has begun
• Size ranges from medium to medium-large (10-16 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
• Quality is excellent; light bruising is an occasional issue

Oxnard, California

• Winter seasonal volume has passed its peak; the spring crop has started
• Size currently ranges from medium to large (12-18 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
• Quality is good; white shoulders and light bruising are issues

Squash

Prices are rising. Squash supplies will remain limited due to Florida’s recent freezing weather. Demand has shifted to Mexico. MFC Zucchini and Yellow Squash are available.

Florida

• Expect low yields caused by low temperatures and strong winds
• Production was slowed by cooler weather in January; February’s freezing temperatures will further slow growth and maturity
• Early planting for the spring crop has been affected
• Growers are assessing crop damage and losses
• Prices will climb for the next two weeks

Mexico

• Supplies are moderate in the western regions due to past poor weather and increased demand
• Some Sinaloa growers will end harvesting over the next two weeks, then transition north to Sonora
• Expect sunny weather in the mid-80s this week, which will increase yields
• Quality is average; crews are culling stocks with odd shape and mechanical scarring
• Markets will remain elevated for the next two weeks

Tender Leaf (Arugula, Spinach, & Spring Mix)

Supplies of tender leaf items are limited. RSS Arugula, Spinach, and Spring Mix are limited; packer label will be substituted as needed.

Arugula

• Prior rains and recent heat spikes have depleted yields
• Quality is good; occasional mildew, bolting, and yellowing have been reported
• Expect tight supplies and elevated prices for the next two weeks
• Packer label is being substituted when needed

Spinach

• Quality is good, but prior rains and recent heat spikes have caused quality problems, including mildew and bruising
• Expect low volume and elevated markets for the next two weeks
• Packer label may be substituted as necessary

Spring Mix

• Quality is good; some bruising and discoloration have been reported
• Expect limited stocks and high prices for the next two weeks
• Most suppliers are holding to averages

Tomatoes

Prices are climbing. Florida tomato crops will be severely affected by the recent freezing temperatures. MFC Tomatoes are available.

Rounds

• South Florida was hit with temperatures below freezing and strong winds in the early mornings of Sunday, February 1 and Monday, February 2
  • The northeast regions of Immokalee experienced the worst conditions
  • Damages are currently being assessed

• Western Mexico’s volume will increase this week due to ideal weather
  • Temperatures are in the mid-80s
  • Large sizes (4×5 & 5×5) are the most abundant
• Expect higher markets over the next two weeks due to tight stocks in Florida

Romas

• Expect limited supplies in Florida
  • Early morning temperatures fell below freezing
  • Expect low yields this week as growers return to fields
• Western Mexico has more plentiful supplies this week
  • Weather is ideal
  • All sizes are available
  • Quality is very good
• Volume is lower in Central Mexico (crossing into South Texas)
• Prices will climb over the next two weeks

Grape & Cherry Varieties

• Freezing temperatures have reduced yields in Florida
• Expect limited production through January in Central Mexico
• Volume is moderate due to past weather conditions; demand is strengthening
• Expect higher markets this week

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.