Bell Peppers

Although fall harvesting transitions have begun on the East Coast, green bell pepper prices are holding steady. Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials (ESS) Green and Red Bell Peppers are available.

Green Bells

• California green bell supplies are centered in Hollister
  • The season will run through mid- to late October
  • Quality is very good; No. 1 grade supplies will tighten by early October
  • Coachella production is expected to start in mid-October; however, volume will be low during the transition
• East Coast yields will increase
  • The Michigan season is winding down; Ohio harvests will wrap up in early October
  • Southeastern production will increase by mid-October
  • Western North Carolina is shipping at this time
  • Quality is very good
• Expect steady markets over the next week, followed by upward pressure heading into October

Red Bells

• California red bell supplies are currently shipping from Hollister and Oxnard
  • Production is expected to continue into early November
  • Oxnard is seeing some quality and yield challenges, so fields are being harvested selectively
• Volume is steady out of Central Mexico (crossing into South Texas)
• Canadian greenhouse production continues to provide good availability
• Expect steady to slightly higher prices over the next two weeks

Broccoli

The broccoli market is expected to climb as California growers contend with elevated Diamondback moth (DBM) pressure, increasing pin rot incidence, and declining yields from late-season fields. MFC Broccoli is available in Salinas, California.

• California yields are low due to increased quality challenges, exacerbated by September heat
• DBM pressure remains elevated across several growing regions
• Pin rot is being reported throughout portions of the Salinas Valley
• Late-season acreage is showing signs of fatigue, further limiting production potential
• Mexican broccoli (crossing through South Texas) remains readily available and in better quality than California product
• Quality concerns include discoloration, uneven sizing, and hollow core
• East Coast production is also underway
• Maine harvests are expected to continue through mid- to late October
• Indiana production is expected to begin next week
• Virginia harvests are anticipated to start within the next two weeks
• The Ohio and New York seasons have concluded
• Expect markets to climb as yields tighten overall supplies throughout California and beyond

Broccolini and Sweet baby Broccoli

Industry supplies are extremely tight. Elevated insect pressure and low yields continue to limit both broccolini and sweet baby broccoli availability. Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Broccolini is available. MFC Broccolini is being substituted into packer label as needed.

• Overall supplies are extremely limited

• Elevated Diamondback moth (DBM) pressure has reduced volume
• A warm September has intensified insect activity across growing regions
• Overall quality remains good; however, DBM pressure is expected to continue challenging growers through the rest of the fall season
• Supplies will remain tight through the end of the season
• Expect active markets while demand exceeds available supply levels

Pears

The California pear season is expected to end by mid-October. New crop Washington Bartlett supplies are available.

• California Bartlett pears are winding down and expected to finish in the next three to four weeks
• The 110-count size is the smallest being shipped; 135-count and smaller sizes are depleted
• Washington growers are shipping ample supplies of Bartletts
  • The crop is dominated by 90- through 110-count sizes
  • Quality is very good with minimal issues
• Light production of the D’Anjou variety is underway; yields will increase by mid-October

Squash

Supplies are tight but will increase over the next 10 days. New crop supplies are increasing in Georgia. The Midwest season will wind down over the next 10 to 14 days. MFC Zucchini and Yellow Squash are available.

East Coast   

• Yellow Squash
  • Market remains firmer than zucchini due to lower overall availability
  • Current yields are slightly below normal, but supplies will become more plentiful next week as Georgia production increases
  • Quality is fair
• Zucchini
  • Prices are lower and yields are higher compared to yellow squash
  • Quality is good

Midwest

• Yellow Squash
  • Yields are tighter than zucchini
  • Cooler weather has moved into the region; temperatures are expected to remain in the 60s through the week
  • Quality is fair
• Zucchini
  • Supplies are more abundant than yellow squash
  • Markets have inched down slightly
  • Quality is fair

• Season Outlook
  • Production will wind down over the next two weeks

West Coast

• Zucchini and yellow squash supplies are snug due to cooler weather
  • Zucchini quality is very good; yellow squash has average quality with some scarring
  • California’s season will wind down over the next month; growers will then transition to Mexico
  • Expect elevated prices to persist over the next two weeks

Strawberries

Open-market strawberry prices have declined due to weak demand, creating a softer market with plentiful availability.

Santa Maria, California 

• MF Strawberries are available
• Berry size is medium, averaging 22-26 berries per 8/1-pound clamshell
• Quality ranges from fair to good, with reports of sun scalding, soft skin, and overripe fruit
• Volume continues to increase as fall production ramps up
• Maintaining the cold chain is critical to maximize shelf life; quick inventory turns are recommended
• The market is expected to remain steady until demand strengthens and absorbs the increasing supply

Watsonville/Salinas

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Berry size is medium, with counts ranging from 24 to 28 berries per 8/1-pound clamshell
• Quality is currently fair, with occasional reports of misshapen fruit, bruising, and soft skin
• Maintaining the cold chain is critical to maximizing shelf life; quick inventory turns are recommended
• The season is expected to end in late September
• Expect steady prices until demand rises

Oxnard, California

• Limited production has begun
• Markon’s first loading day is September 28

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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