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UPDATE: GREEN LEAF, ICEBERG, AND ROMAINE

August 24, 2022

California green leaf, iceberg, and romaine supplies have been impacted by disease pressure and higher-than-normal temperatures, particularly in South Salinas Valley. Prices continue to climb.

  • Markon First Crop (MFC) Premium Green Leaf is available; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted due to low case weights and quality concerns
    • Warm weather, particularly in southern Salinas Valley, have resulted in dense heads, fringe burn, pest pressure, and weak tip, reducing harvestable yields and shelf-life
    • Mildew pressure, due to high humidity, has forced suppliers to cut ahead of their acreage, lowering case weights and overall yields
    • Markets are forecast to continue to climb over the next 7 to 14 days; stocks will remain adequate
  • MFC Premium Iceberg and Romaine are available; MBA is being substituted due to low case weights and quality concerns
    • Abnormal humidity has continued to cause varying levels of internal burn, growth crack, seeder, and salt and pepper; mildew and thrip damage are also prevalent due to persistently warm soil temperatures
      • INSV and Sclerotia are of special concern and have forced shippers ahead of their acres, particularly affecting Romaine Hearts markets/availability
    • Romaine prices will rise through August; regional/local deals are winding down, increasing demand for West Coast supplies
    • Iceberg markets appear to have plateaued for now, but remain highly elevated

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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