Asparagus

Prices continue to rise this week, especially for jumbo and large sizes. Markon First Crop (MFC) Asparagus is available out of Baja, Mexico.

Mexico

• Product is being sourced primarily from Central Mexico and Baja
• Prices are escalating
  • Production in both regions has moved past the seasonal peak; growers are breaking into new, immature lots
  • Large sizes will be limited and higher-priced over the next 7-10 days at a minimum
• Mexican asparagus is not being targeted for additional duties

Peru

• Yields are low, limiting supplies shipped into the East Coast and driving prices higher
• Quality ranges from fair to poor, but is improving with cooler weather
• Production is focused in the north of the country

U.S. and Canada

• Production has wrapped up in Michigan and Southern Canada for the year, driving demand to Mexico

Cilantro

Cilantro markets are escalating as growers are skipping acres with exhibiting seeder problems to harvest in younger fields.

• Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Cilantro is available
• Recent high temperatures and humidity in Oxnard, California have resulted in elevated levels of seeder in mature fields
• Growers are also reporting seeder in Salinas and Santa Maria, California, though the issue is not as widespread as in Oxnard
• Elevated markets are anticipated for the next 10-14 days, or until younger plantings mature to meet demand

Citrus

Prices for small oranges (113- through 138-count fruit) are rising due to limited supplies; 56- through 88-count sizes are most plentiful at this time. Prices for small lemons (165- and 200-count stocks) remain elevated due to low volume and strong demand.

Oranges

• MFC and Essentials (ESS) Valencia Oranges are on the market

• Availability is shifting toward large sizes (56- through 88-count fruit)
• Small sizes (113- through 138-count oranges) are limited
• Quality is great; color is deep orange, and flavor is sweet
• Expect prices for small-sized oranges to continually increase throughout the season

Lemons

• MFC and ESS Lemons are available  
• 165- and 200-count supplies are limited; size is currently dominated by 95- through 140-count lemons
• The Mexican season has started; great quality has been reported
• Expect elevated markets compared to last summer due to strong demand and fewer imported supplies entering the U.S.

Green Beans

East Coast green bean supplies are increasing as production gets underway in New York and the Midwest. RSS Trimmed Green Beans are available.

• East Coast volume is rising and quality is improving as the Virginia season advances and growers start harvesting in New York
• The Midwest regions of Tennessee and Michigan are expecting better yields this week
• Eastern Canadian production is increasing due to good growing conditions; some volume is heading south to help supplement U.S. markets
• Steady supplies and average quality are being reported out of Mexico’s Guanajuato, Puebla, and Baja growing regions; quality is best in Baja
• California has modest supply in the Central Valley and Santa Maria regions
• Expect slightly lower markets over the next week

Iceberg

Iceberg prices continue to rise due to tightening supplies and increased demand for fresh packs and processor acreage on the West Coast.

• MFC Premium Iceberg is available; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted when needed due to low weights
• Overall quality is very good; fluctuating density and head size, insect pressure, and internal burn are present in some lots
• Salinas Valley iceberg demand is strong
  • Acreage remains lower this week compared to earlier this month
  • Processors are also searching for additional acreage to supplement their programs
• Expect rising markets into next week

Limes

Lime supplies are tightening in Veracruz, Mexico. New crop yields are low, resulting in reduced overall volume. MFC and ESS Limes are available.

Mexico (into South Texas)

• Increased bloom and fruit drop in the new crop have reduced overall supplies
• Medium-size supplies (175- to 200-count limes) dominate availability, while large sizes (110-count fruit) and small limes (250-count stocks) are limited due to early maturity and sporadic weather events
• Rain has caused quality issues, including skin breakdown, oil spots, blanching, and overall lighter color
• Markets are expected to remain steady across all sizes, but smaller limes will tighten; most fruit will increase in size due to heavy rain

Colombia

• Packer label limes are available for loading out of Florida; supplies are sufficient
  • Small- and medium-sized fruit dominate the crop, but all sizes are available
  • Hurricane season has increased rain in the growing region, but quality remains strong with clean skin; scarring and blanching are occasional issues
  • Colombia’s mountainous topography ensures rainfall runs off quickly, preventing water from sitting on the fruit and preserving its quality

Strawberries

The California strawberry market is gradually increasing; Santa Maria and Watsonville are experiencing optimal growing conditions. Volume is past its peak but supplies remain ample. Santa Maria begins its fall crop in early September.

Santa Maria

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Quality is good
• Size ranges from 20-25 berries per 8/1-pound clamshell and 32-40 in 4/2-pound packs (small to medium)

• Occasional overripening and white shoulders are being reported

• Expect markets to continue climbing

Salinas/Watsonville

• MFC Strawberries are available

• Quality is good; expect full color and sweet flavor
• Size is currently 18-22 berries per 8/1-pound clamshell and 36-44 in 4/2-pound packs (medium to large)
• Some bruising, white shoulders, and light mildew are being reported
• Expect rising prices

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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