Arugula

Arugula supplies are rebounding as the Arizona/California desert growing regions experience a warming trend this week. Supplies are below-normal levels, but will sufficiently meet demand. Quality issues caused by recent freezing temperatures, including purple cast and yellowing will decrease in the coming weeks.

• Arugula is temperamental to temperature swings, hot or cold
• Temperatures from 28˚F to 35˚F will:
  • Slow plant maturity
  • Turn arugula yellow
  • Cause purple cast/shading on the edge and tips of leaves
  • Reduce shelf-life due to dehydration and wilting; cell walls are damaged by freezing temperatures

Asparagus

Elevated markets continue to ease. Peruvian imports are light but Mexican production will increase steadily throughout February. Markon First Crop (MFC) Asparagus is available.

Mexico

• New crop quality ranges from very good to excellent
• Production continues to ramp up in Caborca, Mexico
• All sizes, extra-large and jumbo in particular, are seeing increasing availability alongside additional harvests
• Additional customs enforcement. inspections, and checkpoints on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border have led to some delays in product crossings, but truly abundant supplies will help avoid any shortages that could result in such issues throughout the next two to three weeks
• Expect markets to ease over the next two to four weeks as additional acreage comes online and weather warms

Peru

• Supplies (shipped into Miami, Florida) are tight; volume is extremely low amid hot weather during the Peruvian summer
• Quality is fair, with much longer transit times relative to Mexican-grown product
• Should tariffs add cost to Mexican supplies, Peru may act as a small relief valve, but it will not be able to support all national demand

Bell Peppers

Green bell pepper supplies are plentiful in Florida and Mexico; markets are easing. Red bell pepper volume is increasing in Sinaloa, Mexico; prices are lower.

Green Bells

• MFC and Markon Essentials (ESS) Green Bell Peppers are available
• Florida is currently in heavy production due to favorable weather
  • Temperatures should remain steady in the 80’s for the next 10 days
  • Expecting adequate volume and very good quality
• Stocks are ample out of Sinaloa, Mexico
  • Demand has weakened due to favorable Florida conditions
  • Quality is good; all sizes are available
• Expect low prices over the next week

Red Bells

• MFC and ESS Red Bell Peppers are available
• Production is underway in the Sinaloa, Mexico region
  • Weather is ideal
  • New crop quality is great
  • All sizes are available
• Florida volume remains low this week
• Expect slightly lower prices over the next two weeks

Broccoli

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

Arizona/California Desert and California’s Central Coast

• Markets are steady at moderate-to-lower levels
• Supplies remain widely available
• Quality is very good; some lots are exhibiting small crown size following weeks of cold weather
• Warmer day and nighttime temperatures are increasing yields and crown size
• Limited production continues in Santa Maria, California
• Expect prices to remain steady to lower as production increases in step with or even ahead of rising demand

Mexico

• Mexican-grown MFC Premium Broccoli is available in South Texas
• Quality is very good
• Markets range from steady to lower through February, with a sizeable spread compared to domestic desert price levels

Brussels Sprouts

The Salinas season has come to an end. Mexican supplies are ample. MFC and Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Brussels Sprouts are available.

• Expect minimal domestic volume year-round out of Oxnard, California and Yuma, Arizona
• Quality is good; puffy texture and seeder are present in some fields
• All sizes are available
• Markets will continue to hold at lower levels through mid-February amid abundant supplies

Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melons

Central American cantaloupe and honeydew stocks remain limited but are increasing; prices are slightly lower.

Cantaloupe

Central America

• Central American cantaloupe volume is slowly rising; prices are slightly lower
• Tropical Storm Sara impacted Central America in late November, disrupting crops
• Delayed vessels and port congestion are causing occasional delays
• Size will vary by shipment and grower; Markon may recommend substitutions based on availability
• Expect yields to slowly increase over the next three weeks, returning to near-normal levels in March (barring any unforeseen weather events)
• Markets will ease as volume climbs

Honeydew

Central America/Mexico

• Central American honeydew volume is increasing; markets are easing
• Tropical Storm Sara impacted Central America in late November
• Delayed vessels and port congestion are causing occasional delays
• Central American volume is increasing as growers move into replanted lots and secondary growing regions
• Mexican volume (crossing into Nogales, Arizona) is increasing weekly, helping offset demand for offshore fruit
• Size will vary by shipment and grower; size substitutions may be recommended based on availability
• Expect volume to slowly increase over the next three weeks, returning to near-normal levels in March (barring any unforeseen weather events)
• Prices are inching down

Cauliflower

ESS Cauliflower is limited; packer label is being substituted as necessary.

• Supplies out of the Holtville, California and Yuma, Arizona regions are tight; minimal volume is also available in Santa Maria, California
• Expect a wide range of pricing and availability between suppliers; many are behind schedule from previous weeks of cold weather
• Overall quality is good; slow growth and smaller sizing continue to affect yields
• This week’s higher temperatures will promote growth
• Markets are becoming slightly more active as demand picks up, but should stabilize in 10 to 14 days as favorable weather increases stocks

Cucumbers

Cucumber prices are low; supplies are abundant. Mexican quality is a step above Honduran cucumbers shipped into Florida ports. MFC Cucumbers are available.

• Warm weather has increased yields in Sinaloa, Mexico
  • Quality is excellent
  • Large sizes are the least abundant and command higher prices
• Honduran imports are being shipped into Florida ports; quality is fair
• Florida growers are experiencing a harvesting gap; production is expected to begin again in the next two weeks
• Expect low markets over the next week

From the Fields: Desert Weather & Quality Update

The Arizona/California desert growing region began a warming trend over the weekend with daytime highs peaking today at 85°F. Temperatures will decline through the week but will remain in the upper 70°s to low 80°s.

Although the higher temperatures will aid plant growth that had stalled after three weeks of strong winds and morning freeze events, Markon inspectors still expect to see quality challenges through February. In particular, epidermal peeling is expected to increase in iceberg and lettuces such as romaine and green leaf. Other challenges for lettuce and tender leaf items include but are not limited to:

• Dehydration/wilting
• Decreased or inconsistent case weights
• Wind damage
• Epidermal blistering & peeling
• Shortened shelf-life potential
• Yellowing leaves

Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine

Following three consecutive weeks of freezing temperatures in the Arizona/California desert growing region, temperatures are higher this week. Warm weather will peak today, then cool down yet remain above seasonal averages.

Green Leaf

• MFC Premium Green Leaf is available
• Quality is very good
  • Yellowing outer leaves are being removed at the field level
  • Harvesting crews are avoiding uneven heads
• Demand is strengthening; industry supplies vary from supplier to supplier following consecutive weeks of freezing temperatures that slowed growth
• Markets will be steady to slightly higher this week

Iceberg

• MFC Premium Iceberg Lettuce is sporadic due to low weights; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted as needed
• Quality is good
  • Epidermal blistering/peeling, growth cracks, and lower weights are being observed in many lots
  • This week’s warmer weather will further exacerbate blister and peel quality issues
• Demand is strong; industry supplies are tighter, pushing markets higher
• Expect price increases this week

Romaine

• MFC Premium Romaine is available
• Quality is strong; epidermal blistering and peeling are present following consecutive lettuce ice events but reduced compared to prior seasons
• Demand is strengthening; however, supplies remain ample
• Markets are expected to remain steady this week

Mixed Berries

Blueberry supplies are ample; raspberry and blackberry quality has been affected by cold weather and rains.

Blueberries

• Expect markets to remain level
• Demand is steady
• Quality is very good
• Production has begun to slow in Mexico
• Peruvian berries are available
• Chilean shipments have started arriving in the U.S.

Blackberries

• Prices are stable
• Mexican berry yields are increasing after a recent cold snap
• Demand is steady
• Quality will improve as warmer weather is forecast
• Expect markets to remain steady

Raspberries

• Markets will remain elevated for the next three weeks
• Mexican supplies are tightening
• Cooler weather coupled with rain has created quality issues

• Medium berries dominate size

• Quality is good; lighter color and small size have been reported

Oranges

Orange prices are steady; supplies are plentiful in multiple growing regions. Expect this trend to continue through February.

California

• MFC and ESS Navel Oranges are available 
• Large sizes (56- and 88-count fruit) are limited; smaller sizes (113- and 138-count fruit) are plentiful
• Navel quality is very good; sugar levels range from 12-13 Brix
• Expect steady markets and ample supplies

Mexico

• Mexican imports (crossing into Nogales, Arizona) are available
• Great quality is forecast; sugar levels will range from 12-13 Brix
• Prices will be comparable to those in Florida and Texas

Florida

• The new crop Valencia season has begun
• Stocks will be dominated by 138-count and smaller sizes
• Quality is fair; greening and early decay have been reported
• Prices will be comparable to those in Mexico and Texas

Texas

• Valencia oranges will ship through April
• Quality is good; sugar levels range from 11-12 Brix
• Expect steady markets and tight supplies

Potatoes

Potato markets remain steady; storage supplies are readily available in the Pacific Northwest. Mixer volume is adequate in Colorado, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Forecasts call for rain, snow, and freezing temperatures that will slow production.

• Below-freezing temperatures along with showers and snow are forecast to persist in Eastern and Southern Idaho over the next 7-10 days
  • Temperatures need to be 18°F or higher for 5 to 7 hours to haul potatoes from cellars to packing sheds; hauling when temperatures are below 18°F will freeze them
  • Expect reduced production and delayed loading; advanced order lead time is highly recommended for order fulfillment
  • Many suppliers will utilize onsite storage to cover orders
  • Other concerns are potential road closures and packed ice on trailers leading to smaller payloads in order to maintain legal weights

Red and Yellow Potatoes

MFC Red and Yellow Potatoes are available in Idaho and North Dakota. The Wisconsin season is ending while Florida production is just starting. Markets remain relatively steady.

Idaho

• Red and yellow supplies are adequate
• Prices are level
• Size A and B dominate reds while yellow stocks are dominated by sizes A and C
• Quality is very good

North Dakota

• Both colors are in sufficient supply with stable pricing
• Red A No. 2s and yellow B No. 1s are ample
• Quality is very good; reds are exhibiting light color

Wisconsin

• The red season has ended
• Yellow supplies are diminishing quickly due to quality concerns
• Suppliers will utilize reds from North Dakota and yellows from Colorado to supplement Russet orders

Colorado

• Red markets are increasing while yellow prices remain steady
• The red season will wind down over the next four to six weeks; yellow supplies are ample
• Yellow quality is good; reds will exhibit light color and occasional blemishes

Michigan

• Both red and yellow markets are stable
• Red yields are dominated by A grades; all yellows are abundant
• Quality very good; reds are light in color

Washington

• Both red and yellow supplies are tight; markets are slowly rising
• Quality is very good; color is deep

Florida

• Both red and yellow supplies are available
• New crop markets are elevated
• Mixer volume is average to start the season
• Quality is excellent due to optimal growing conditions

Squash

Zucchini markets are easing due to favorable growing conditions in Florida and Mexico this week. Yellow squash volume remains low. MFC Zucchini and Yellow Squash are available.

• Mexico’s new crop zucchini production is ramping up due to excellent weather in Sinaloa
  • Yellow squash supplies are slowly increasing
  • Higher volume is expected next week
  • New crop quality is good
• Yellow squash is limited in Florida due to fewer plantings, but warm weather is increasing yields
  • Zucchini supplies are ample
  • Overall quality is good
  • Yields will continue to increase due to favorable weather conditions
• Expect promotable zucchini prices next week
• Elevated yellow squash prices will start to inch down over the next two weeks

Strawberries

The Santa Maria and Oxnard, California growing regions expect rain next Tuesday, February 4 and Wednesday, February 5; harvesting and loading may be delayed.

Santa Maria, California

• The spring season has begun
• Size currently ranges from 9 to 14 berries per 8/1-pound clamshell
• Quality is good; green shoulders are being reported
• Expect prices to inch up for the next 10 days

Oxnard, California

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Volume has fallen; cool weather has slowed growth
• Size currently ranges from medium to large (12-20 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
• Quality is good; color is deep red and flavor is sweet
• Expect markets to remain firm for the next 10 days

Mexico (into South Texas)

• Supplies are limited
• Size ranges from medium to large (22-26 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
• Quality is good; small size, white shoulders, and misshaped berries have been reported
• Prices are steady

Florida

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Supplies are ample
• Size ranges from small-medium to medium (24-28 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
• Quality is good
• Markets are stable

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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