Baby Broccoli (Broccolini)

Markon First Crop (MFC) and Ready Set Serve (RSS) Broccolini are limited; better supplies are expected in two weeks.

• Supplies of Baby Broccoli (better known as Broccolini and Sweet Baby Broccoli) are being harvested in Northern Mexico, Yuma, Arizona and Salinas, California
  • Alternating weeks of heat and cold have led to notable flowering across most lots in Northern Mexico and Yuma
  • Growers are being forced to leave fields unharvested due to elevated insect pressure and quality concerns
  • Rain and freezing temps in Salinas have slowed production and reduced yields
• Increased demand and lack of industry supply have led to elevated markets
• Supplies are expected to rebound by early March

Broccoli

MFC Premium Broccoli is being harvested in the Arizona/California desert, Northern Mexico, and Central Mexico (loading in South Texas).  

Arizona/California Desert, California’s Central Coast, Northern Mexico

• Markets remain well below average levels
• Supplies are widely available
• Sporadic dehydration, minor branching, and hollow core defects may present following a short heat spike in the desert this week
• Ideal temperatures return through next week, aiding growth and promoting strong quality
• Limited production is also ongoing in Santa Maria, California
• Expect prices to remain steady into next week amid continued abundant supplies and light demand

Central Mexico

• Central Mexican-grown MFC Premium Broccoli is available in South Texas
• Quality is great
• Markets remain at low levels with a sizeable spread compared to domestic desert price levels

Brussels Sprouts

Markets are softening amid abundant supplies out of Baja, Mexico. MFC and RSS Brussels Sprouts are readily available.

• Minimal domestic volume is shipping out of Oxnard, California and Yuma, Arizona
• Quality is good; some puffy texture and seeder are present due to warmer weather
• All sizes are readily available, but jumbo sprouts are most plentiful
• Weak demand will keep markets steady at lower levels through early to mid-March

Cauliflower

Plentiful supplies are shipping from Holtville, California and Yuma, Arizona. Markon Essentials (ESS) Cauliflower is readily available; packer label is being substituted as necessary.

• Minimal supplies are also available in Santa Maria, California
• Warm desert weather followed by slightly lower temperatures through the weekend will increase growth and keep harvesting schedules on track
• Below-average demand is keeping prices low
• Overall quality is good; some discoloration and dehydration are present due to consistent heat, but both are easily culled by harvesting crews during production
• Pricing will remain fairly low as supplies are plentiful and demand is typically weak through March

Citrus (Specialty Varieties)

Specialty citrus varieties, including Mandarins, Cara Cara oranges, blood oranges, and Minneolas, are available through June to supplement lemon and California Navel Orange orders.

Mandarins

• The season runs from November to June
• Growers are currently shipping out of California
• All sizes are ample
• Quality is excellent; current sugar levels range from 11-12 Brix

Cara Cara Oranges

• Production takes place from December to June
• Growers are currently shipping out of California
• Supplies are dominated by small sizes (113- through 138-count fruit)
• Quality is excellent; current sugar levels range from 12-13 Brix

Blood Oranges

• Growers harvest from December to June
• Suppliers are currently shipping out of California
• Stocks are dominated by small sizes (113- through 138-count fruit)
• Quality is excellent; current sugar levels range from 12-13 Brix

Minneolas

• The season runs from January to June
• Growers are currently shipping out of California
• All sizes are abundant
• Quality is excellent; current sugar levels range from 12-13 Brix

Cucumbers

Cucumber supplies are abundant in Mexico. Florida production will start over the next week to help supplement Honduran imports. MFC Cucumbers are available.

• Mexico continues to have abundant supplies with strong quality due to favorable growing conditions; large sizes are limited
• Moderate volumes of Honduran imports are being shipped into Florida; quality is average
• Florida’s new production is expected to commence this weekend, despite cooler weather
• Expect low markets over the next week

From the Fields: Desert Region Heat Wave

The Arizona/California desert growing region is in the midst of a significant heat wave. Temperatures through the weekend will be in the low- to mid-80°s and will climb into the mid-90°s by Tuesday, February 25. These temperatures are close to 20° above seasonal norms and may not decrease until the first week of March.

Apart from the rising insect pressure the industry is facing, other quality and shelf-life concerns will likely develop in lettuce, tender leaf, and other key desert row crops because of sustained heat. These issues may include:

Broccoli

• Dehydration
• Hollow core
• Pin rot

Lettuces

• High insect pressure
• Dehydration
• Growth crack
• Internal burn
• Long core/seeder
• Shortened shelf-life potential
• Sun scald
• Weak tip

Tender Leaf

• Accelerated growth causing weakened cell structure
• Bolting
• High insect pressure
• Dehydration
• Shortened shelf-life potential

Markon inspectors are working with our suppliers to select the best lots available and take measures to minimize any heat-related challenges. Depending on the severity of challenges that develop, Markon First Crop specifications will become difficult to achieve, and Markon Best Available will be substituted as needed.

From the Fields: Quality-Alert Flyers in Lightly Processed Lettuce Packs

Elevated insect pressure (aphids, gnats, thrips) in key lettuce crops from the Arizona/California desert growing region is expected to remain a challenge through the duration of the season. These insects thrive in the dry, hot conditions that have persisted over the past three weeks. This week could see highs in the low to mid-90°s, nearly 20° above seasonal norms.

Growers and harvesting crews are taking measures to mitigate the current challenges as much as possible, but will not be able to completely eliminate insects from commodity and some lightly processed lettuce packs. Please click here to view a recent Markon Live From the Fields video for reference.

Effective immediately, the attached quality-alert flyer (English only) will be implemented into the Ready-Set Serve (RSS) items listed below to communicate the current industry-wide challenge. French and Spanish versions are attached for reference as well.

• RSS Washed & Trimmed Romaine
• RSS Washed & Trimmed Romaine Fillets 2×5#
• RSS Washed & Trimmed Green Leaf
• RSS Washed & Trimmed Green Leaf Fillets 2×5#
• RSS Washed & Trimmed Deli Leaf 2×5#
• RSS Washed & Trimmed Romaine Hearts 2×7.5#

Markon inspectors are working with our grower/shipper partners to select the best lots available and take measures to reduce insect presence as much as possible.

Limes

Lime prices are rising amid increased demand and seasonally low volume. MFC and ESS Limes are available

Mexico (into South Texas)

• Yields are down as growers work through the last of the current cycle’s fruit
• Quality ranges from good to fair; stylar, oil spotting, and decay are occasional issues
• Projections for the next crop cycle are low, which is common for this time of year
• Supplies are dominated by larger 110- through 150-count size limes
• Size is expected to shift to smaller 200- through 250-count limes as growers transition to new crop lots over the next two to three weeks
• Markon recommends increased order lead time to ensure coverage; late orders or additions may require substituting with packer label

• Rain is expected this weekend in Veracruz, Mexico which will disrupt production and lead to fewer border shipments going into next week
• Expect markets to inch up over the next two to three weeks as harvesting transitions

Colombia

• Packer label limes are available for loading out of Florida
• Prices are currently steady, slightly below Mexican fruit costs
• Quality is good
• Expect markets to rise starting next week in reaction to increased demand

Pineapple

Pineapple supplies are expected to remain tight for several more weeks; prices are elevated.

• Production is limited in Costa Rica due to recent rain and poor weather conditions
• Low sugar levels (Brix) are causing more delays
• Expect the lowest volume through next week
• Although all sizes are snug, small fruit will be more readily available; order flexibility will help with coverage
• Crownless yields are increasing slightly

Strawberries

Strawberry prices are starting to ease due to increased availability. Quality has improved in all regions.

Santa Maria

• MFC Strawberries are available
• The fall crop has passed its peak; volume is down-trending
• Size currently ranges from 12 to 16 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• Quality is good; color is improving daily
• White shoulders have been reported

Oxnard

• MFC Strawberries are available
• The season is at its peak and will end in mid-April
• Volume is steady
• Size currently ranges from 10 to 16 berries per 1-pound clamshell

• Quality is good; color is deep red color and flavor is sweet

Mexico (into South Texas)

• Peak season has passed
• Size currently ranges from 16 to 24 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• Quality is good; uneven ripening and light bruising have been reported
• Harvesting will run through mid-March

Florida

• MFC Strawberries are available
• The season will run through mid-April due to the late start and cooler weather
• Volume has increased

• Size currently ranges from 12-16 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• Quality is good; some misshaped berries have been reported due to January’s cold snap

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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