Broccoli

The broccoli market is expected to remain low through next week. Markon First Crop (MFC) Broccoli is available in Salinas, California, and in South Texas.

California

• Weak demand continues to suppress pricing
• Diamondback moth pressure remains elevated across multiple growing regions
• Pin rot is being reported in portions of the Salinas and Santa Maria Valleys
• Rain could exacerbate existing quality concerns
• Arizona-California desert production will begin the week of November 9

Mexico (crossing through South Texas)

• Supplies are readily available
• Quality is generally superior to California product
• MFC Broccoli is shipping from this region

East Coast

• The Maine season has concluded
• Indiana production is underway; supplies are ample
• Virginia harvests are increasing, adding to overall availability
• North Carolina harvests will begin next week
• Early season quality is excellent, with growers reporting strong yields and overall superb condition

California Citrus

California’s San Joaquin Valley and Southern California citrus growing districts are forecast to receive a series of heavy rain events starting Wednesday, October 21 through Thursday, October 22. Expect harvesting delays and tight supplies.

• MFC and Markon Essentials (ESS) Lemons and Oranges are available
• Growers cannot harvest fruit when orchards are wet
  • If picked when wet, the rind will break down, and discoloration will develop
  • Mud and standing water may limit crews’ ability to get equipment into groves
• Markon has pushed all citrus suppliers to pack ahead of this rain event
• Current quality is excellent; supplies are adequate

Cauliflower

Cauliflower markets are expected to remain depressed into next week as ample supplies continue to outpace demand. ESS Cauliflower is available.

• Salinas supplies are plentiful, with aggressive pricing and ample buying opportunities

• Diamondback moth (DBM) pressure remains elevated
• Recent heat and moisture are expected to prolong quality concerns
• Santa Maria growers report increasing insect pressure, fueled by warm weather
• The Arizona-California desert season is expected to start the week of November 9
• Florida production will begin in the winter
• Markets are expected to remain soft, with most quotes holding in the low teens

Cucumbers

East Coast cucumber supplies are limited, but availability is improving in Sonora, Mexico. MFC Cucumbers are available.

U.S. East Coast

• Volume has dipped in Georgia this week; cooler nights have slowed growth
• The North Carolina season will end in a week; quality is good
• South Florida production is getting underway with light production
• Tightening supplies will push up markets into next week

Mexico

• Baja supplies are down due to recent inclement weather and older fields finishing; the season will end in one to two weeks
• Sonora’s new crops are underway; quality is good
• Past storms slowed early growth; however, volume is increasing
• Expect steady prices for the next two weeks

Green Leaf

Green Leaf supplies have tightened up dramatically this week in Salinas and Santa Maria, California, and will remain extremely limited through the Salinas season. Abnormally warm weather coupled with current rainy conditions will decrease yields further. Expect high prices through the end of the Salinas season in mid-November. MFC Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine Lettuces are available in Salinas and Huron, California; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted as needed due to low weights.

Tomatoes

Tomato supplies remain extremely tight on the East Coast, West Coast, and Mexico. Prices are elevated.

Rounds

• The California season is ending soon; many suppliers will wrap up production this week
• East Coast supplies are extremely limited in Florida’s panhandle and Southern Georgia; the Palmetto/Ruskin season will start in approximately two weeks
• Mexican volume is low due to recent inclement weather
• Markets will continue rising over the next few weeks

Romas

• California production is ending; yields are extremely low
• East Coast and Mexican supplies will remain limited for several weeks
• Expect elevated prices

Grape and Cherry

• East Coast supplies are scarce; early season Ruskin/Palmetto yields will start low, but increase in November
• Baja and Central Mexico availability remains very limited
  • Supplies will increase slightly in late October
  • Quality is fair
• Expect high markets for several weeks

Strawberries

Rain is expected in the Oxnard, Santa Maria, and Salinas, California growing regions through October 21.

California Overview

• Harvesting and shipping disruptions, including order delays and complete production cancelation, are possible depending on total rainfall
• Supplies are limited
• Moving orders to Mexican berries (into South Texas) is recommended; Markon’s Account Management and Purchasing Teams are working to identify which membership DCs can do this

Mexico (into South Texas)

• The season is getting started
• Size is medium; counts range from 18-22 per 1-pound clamshell
• Quality is good; bruising is a minor issue
• Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
• Expect prices to rise alongside the California market

Santa Maria, California 

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Size ranges from small-medium to medium; counts range from 26-30 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• Quality ranges from fair to good; light bruising and odd shape are being reported
• Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
• Volume will decrease due to the upcoming rain
• Expect prices to climb

Oxnard, California

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Size is medium; counts range from 20-24 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• Quality is good; white shoulders and light bruising have been reported
• Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
• Expect the upcoming rain to increase markets

Watsonville/Salinas

• Size ranges from small to small-medium; counts range from 26-28 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• Quality is fair; pin rot, odd shape, bruising, and soft skin have been called out
• Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
• Expect elevated prices

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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