Brussels Sprouts

Prices continue to rise dramatically due to extremely limited supplies; quality issues are severely impacting yields. Markon First Crop (MFC) and Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Brussels Sprouts are currently unavailable; packer label is being substituted.

• The Salinas season will end in three weeks; high heat and rain have heavily impacted quality and reduced yields
• Supplies will remain very scarce in the Arizona-California desert region through December
• Quality is poor; discoloration, puffiness, seeder, and small size are prevalent, diminishing overall volume
• Large sizes have been especially affected by quality issues; jumbos are currently unavailable due to shelf-life challenges
• The Mexican season is anticipated to begin by late December; full production is expected by the second week of January 2026
• A limited supply of imported product is available at South Texas shipping points as a supplemental option over the next several weeks
• Expect persistently high pricing and extremely limited supplies for the next three weeks; relief is anticipated once Mexican production ramps up in early January

Cilantro

Cilantro markets range from steady to slightly higher; quality will improve over next several weeks with better weather forecast across Central California and Arizona/California desert growing regions.

• RSS Cilantro is available
• Inclement weather across the Salinas and Oxnard growing regions through the late summer and autumn caused persistent quality challenges in value-added cilantro
• Suppliers are now harvesting primarily in the Oxnard and the Arizona-California desert regions
• After recent rainfall delayed some production, optimal growing conditions are now forecast with warm, dry weather expected over the next week
• Quality has been below average, but will improve over the next few weeks barring any further weather challenges
  • Yellowing, seeder, discoloration, thick stems, and overall reduced shelf-life have been reported
  • Expect improved quality in value-added cilantro packs as weather conditions allow

Cucumbers

Florida-grown cucumbers are decreasing for the winter months. Honduran imports will start shipping in late December. Demand is shifting west towards Mexico. MFC Cucumbers are available.

• Expect limited Florida-grown supplies through the winter
• Honduran-grown stocks (arriving through Florida ports) will be available in late December to supplement lower domestic volume
• Production is steady in Sinaloa and Sonora, Mexico
  • Demand is strengthening
  • Quality is very good
• Expect markets to increase over the next two weeks

Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine

Prices are dropping as availability increases in the Arizona/California desert. MFC Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine Lettuces are available; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted as needed due to low weights.

Arizona-California Desert Region

• The market is easing
• Good desert growing conditions have increased production

• • Volume is rising over the last week due to better weather
  • Quality ranges from good to above average; r
    • Ribby texture, bottom rot, weak tip, and mildew damage have been reported
    • Most defects are addressed with trimming at the field level
  • Weights are low; most growers entered fields early due to strong demand before lettuce heads could build density
  • Above-average temperatures will help to accelerate growth and increase weights

Oxnard, California

• Production in this region is supplementing any gaps in Yuma volume; limited romaine harvests are ongoing
• Quality is good, but weights are low

Florida

• Southeast lettuce supplies are ramping up over the next several weeks
• This season is expected to run through late March to early April, weather permitting
• Quality is average; recent low temperatures across Central and South Florida may contribute to slower growth

Mexico

• Iceberg and romaine are currently being harvested
• Quality is average; high weights and densities have been reported
• Volume is currently typical for the end of year despite recent weather challenges

Green Onions

Pricing continues to rise as availability tightens while desert growing regions recover from recent rainstorms and border delays. RSS Green Onions are available.

• Recent rainfall across the Mexicali growing region created wet and muddy field conditions, delaying harvests and reducing overall yields
• Intermittent strikes at Mexican border crossings over the past week have also delayed inbound trucks, impacting the supply chain
• Seasonal labor shortages through the holiday season may impact harvest volumes
• Quality ranges from fair to average; onions previously harvested in wet conditions are more susceptible to early decay and mildew
• Expect persistently high pricing and limited availability over the next ten days as supplies continue to recover

Update: Polar Vortex

The polar vortex is moving through the Midwest and the East this week, impacting weather patterns across the country.

Florida

• Nightly low temperatures in North Florida are expected to be in the low 40s
• Central and South Florida are anticipated to experience low temperatures in the mid-50s
• There are currently no concerns for Florida-grown crops, as the projected temperatures are not expected to have major effects on crop growth
• Markon will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates if the forecast changes

Strawberries

Mexico/South Texas and Florida volumes are increasing daily. California’s Santa Maria & Oxnard volumes are rebounding post rains waiting for fruit to color. Markets are declining in all growing regions.

Santa Maria/Oxnard

• Limited harvesting has occurred this week
• Occasional pin rot and green shoulder are present

• Winter new crop will start in 3-4 weeks
• Berry counts range from 20-24 per 8/1 clamshell

Mexico/South Texas

• Quality problems include white shoulders, skin bruising, and green tips
• Some border delays are disrupting crossings
• Berry counts range from 20-24 per 8/1 clamshell

Florida

• Defects include white shoulders and green tips
• Rain has slowed down harvest
• Berry counts range from 21-26 per 8/1 clamshell

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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