Markon First Crop (MFC) Asian-Cut Broccoli Crowns are limited in the Salinas Valley; Markon Best Available (MBA) Broccoli is being substituted as needed. 

Markon Essentials (ESS) Cauliflower is available. Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Broccoli and Cauliflower packs are available and being monitored closely. Quality alert flyers may be implemented in some RSS packs, pending the outlook for raw products.

The Diamondback Moth remains one of the most prominent and challenging issues in the Cole crops of the Salinas and Santa Maria Valleys. This includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower, with broccoli being the most severely affected. Markon inspectors have been walking through broccoli, cauliflower, and brussel sprout fields in all growing regions and finding at least some activity in nearly all fields or finished product packs.

Both commodity and value-added supplies are impacted, as the larvae and pupae are difficult to detect and may remain attached to the product even after thorough washing. See below for more background on Diamondback Moth.

The attached Quality Update from Taylor Farms emphasizes the current challenges and the steps all parties involved are taking to lessen the impact of this industry-wide pest pressure. Quality Update-August_2025_Insect _Pressure

Markon inspectors will continue working with suppliers to allocate the best quality for commodity and value-added broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussel sprout packs. However, even with all the fields we walk and finished product packs we cut through, Markon and the industry will not be able to eliminate all pests.

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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