Asparagus

Asparagus markets are showing slight signs of easing, but supplies remain constrained out of Mexico. Expect low volume and firm markets through July.

Mexico

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Asparagus is available; packer label is being substituted as needed
• Southern Baja production has concluded; Central Mexico is now the primary growing region
• Heavy rainfall across Central Mexico has reduced yields and increased quality concerns
• Jumbo and extra-large sizes remain especially limited and are expected to remain tight through the summer
• Quality is generally fair to good, although there are occasional reports of wet tips and early decay due to recent rains
• Markets are easing slightly; however, supplies remain limited due to ongoing size and quality challenges

Peru (into South Florida)

• Prices are moderately lower
• Warmer-than-average weather patterns have caused quality challenges and reduced overall yields
• Quality ranges from fair to average; some lots are exhibiting dehydration and feathered tips
• Expect elevated markets into August

Bell Peppers

New crop green bell pepper summer production is underway on both coasts; markets are easing. MFC and Markon Essentials (ESS) Green and Red Bell Peppers are available.

Green Bells

California’s San Joaquin Valley is harvesting ample supplies out of Fresno

• • Quality is very good with all sizes available
  • Additional volume out of Arroyo Grande’s coastal region is pushing prices lower
• Central Mexico has low volume crossing into South Texas
• New Jersey stocks are plentiful; quality is great
• Production has started in the Midwest and will increase over the next few weeks
• Western North Carolina harvests are underway; quality is very good
• Expect lower markets with new crop summer production starting

Red Bells

• California’s Bakersfield area is moving into peak production next week
  • Quality is very good
  • Promotable volume is expected in late July/early August
• Supplies are limited on the East Coast
• Eastern Canadian greenhouse yields are low due to recent heat waves
• Current steady prices will inch down over the next two weeks

Blackberries

Blackberry supplies are erratic in several major growing regions.

Mexico

• Supplies are tight due to pruning, which is reducing the vines’ ability to produce more fruit
• Quality is poor due to humidity
• Heat-related issues include softness and cell regression (black cells shrink and turn red)
• Volume should rebound in September
• Expect markets to remain steady and short

Watsonville

• The season is expected to begin between July 20-31
• Quality is excellent
• Expect markets to remain steady

Pacific Northwest

• Harvesting has gotten off to a slow start
• Production is low this week
• Expect stocks to increase next week

North Carolina

• This short season will wrap by the end of the month, depending on weather
• Quality is good
• Stocks will diminish through the end of the season

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprout supplies are ample as the California season progresses. Quality is very good, and availability of jumbo sprouts has increased.

• MFC and Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Brussels Sprouts are available; packer label is being substituted as needed
• Production is centered in the Salinas and Santa Maria regions
• Supplies are plentiful, with abundant availability of small and medium sizes; jumbo supplies have increased
• Quality is very good
  • Sprouts are exhibiting good color with minimal seeder
  • Occasional yellowing is being reported in isolated lots
• Markets are expected to remain steady with promotable volume available through July and into early August

California Cantaloupe & Honeydew Melons

Increased San Joaquin Valley melon production has decreased prices. MFC Cantaloupe and Honeydew are available.

Cantaloupe

San Joaquin Valley, California

• Production has steadily increased this week
• While all sizes are available, 9-count melons are more abundant than 15-count supplies
• Fields are producing solid quality with great external and internal color
• The increased volume has led to markets dropping significantly this week
• Expect markets to keep trending down further into next week as production ramps up

Honeydew

San Joaquin Valley, California

• Production is increasing this week
• Size is dominated by large with five-count and jumbo five-count melons; eight-count stocks are limited
• The week of July 20 will bring a slightly better mix of honeydew sizes
• Quality is very good; sugar levels range from 12-14% Brix
• Markets will move down more slowly than cantaloupe prices

California Strawberries

Elevated humidity levels have recently settled across the Salinas/Watsonville growing regions, influencing crop growth and field conditions.

Salinas/Watsonville

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Berry size ranges from medium-large to large; counts average 16 to 20 pieces per 1-pound clamshell
• Quality is good; issues include bruising and soft skin
• Abnormally high temperatures and humidity forecast through this week and early next will cause berries to mature more quickly and decrease quality
• Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
• Expect flat markets for the next week

Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine

Green leaf, iceberg, and romaine markets are steady at low levels. MFC Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine Lettuces are available in Salinas, California; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted as needed.

Salinas/Santa Maria, California

• Quality ranges from fair to good; recent warm, humid weather has increased insect pressure, internal burn, mildew, and seeder
• The overall quality downtrend is expected to continue as higher-than-normal temperatures are forecast to persist through early next week
• Disease pressure, including Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) and Sclerotinia, continues to be present; percentages of impacted heads vary from lot to lot

• Despite less-than-ideal quality, supplies are plentiful and demand is weak
• Markon QA inspectors continue to work with our grower-shipper partners to select the best lots

Colorado

• Iceberg harvests are ongoing and will continue through mid-September
• Weights are lower on average compared to California; however, quality is clean with no internal burn or mildew being reported
• Colorado liner weights are currently 40-42 pounds, compared to 44-50 pounds in California

Mexico (crossing into Texas)

• Production is year-round

• • Quality and yields are below normal due to monsoonal weather conditions
  • Peak season for production and quality will resume in October and run through April

Michigan

• Harvests of green leaf, iceberg, and romaine will continue through September

Northeastern Canada and USA

• Harvests of all lettuces are underway and are in peak season

Red and Yellow Potatoes

MFC Red and Yellow Potatoes are available in Idaho. The Florida and North Carolina seasons have ended. Overall supplies are tightening; prices are rising for both colors. Expect elevated markets until mid-August when other areas begin production.

Idaho

• MFC Red and Yellow Potatoes are available
• Red storage supplies are limited due to strong demand
• Yellow potatoes are being sourced from California to supplement orders
• Overall quality is good
• Prices are rising on both colors
• New crop yellow production will start late next week while reds will begin in mid-August

California

• Red and yellow harvests are underway in the Stockton region
• Supplies are extremely limited due to lower acreage from previous years
• Quality is excellent
• Current demand exceeds supply, keeping markets active
• The season will finish over the next two weeks

Texas

• This season is in full swing for both red and yellow supplies
• Quality is excellent; skinning is minimal
• Markets are elevated due to strong demand

Upcoming Regions

• The Wisconsin season will start on July 27
• Minnesota stocks will be available the first week of August

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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