Bell Peppers

Green bell peppers on the East Coast are limited with New Jersey slow to start and tropical depression Chantal moving though North Carolina. Red bell peppers markets are higher due to snug supplies in California. Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials (ESS) Green and Red Bell Peppers are available.

Green Bells

• North Carolina production has been impacted by tropical depression Chantal
• New Jersey has started with light volume; expect to see increases by the end of week
• Michigan and Ohio are expected to start this weekend in a limited manner
• California’s Bakersfield region is past peak production
• Fresno and Ventura, California regions will be up and running by mid-July
• Central Mexico volume (crossing into South Texas) is steady; quality is good
• Expect higher markets over the next two weeks

Red Bells

• California’s Imperial Valley finished abruptly last week due to high heat
• Bakersfield started last week and will continue to increase volume in July
• Central Mexico has very light volume crossing into South Texas
• Canadian greenhouse production is slow due to recent heat waves
• Expect higher markets over the next week

Cauliflower

Cauliflower markets have peaked and are poised to drop as supplies ramp up across all regions. ESS Cauliflower is readily available.

• Salinas and Santa Maria, California volumes are increasing, as demand softens post-holiday
  • Softer demand has allowed for fields to size up and supplies to improve
  • Warmer weather forecasted through the weekend will help push fields forward and further amplify yields
  • Quality is strong in all regions; heads are presenting a bright white color and very minimal bruising
• Maine, New York, and New Jersey volumes will ramp up within the next two weeks
• Markets are projected to slide this week as demand drops and supplies increase on the West and East Coasts

From the Fields: Warm Temperatures for the Salinas Valley

A warming trend is expected in the Salinas Valley this week as a high-pressure system moves into the region. By Thursday, July 10, temperatures are forecast to peak, with coastal areas reaching the low 70s to mid-80s, and inland areas climbing into the mid-90s to triple digits.

As we head into the weekend, temperatures are anticipated to gradually cool, though they will likely remain above seasonal averages.

We’ll continue to monitor the conditions closely and keep you informed of any changes that may impact operations.

Grapes

The Mexican grape season will wrap up over the next two weeks. California harvests will start July 13.

California

• California-grown MFC Lunch Bunch Grapes will start shipping when the Mexico Lunch Bunch season comes to an end on July 15
• Green and red seedless supplies are forecast to begin shipping on July 13
• Expect higher prices at the start of the season, but markets will ease once California volume ramps up in late July
• Good quality is anticipated

Mexico

• The Mexican season will end the week of July 7
• Elevated demand and good quality are anticipated until that time

Green leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine Lettuce

Green leaf and romaine prices are fairly steady at moderately elevated levels, while iceberg continues rising at elevated market levels, due to continued strong demand in Salinas and Santa Maria, California.

• MFC Premium Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine are available; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted when needed due to light weights
  • Overall quality is good; fluctuating densities, insect pressure, and internal burn are present in some lots
  • MFC Iceberg weights are in the mid-to upper 40 lbs., West Coast packer label ranges from mid-30 to mid-40 lbs.
• Guanajuato, Mexico, supplies continue to be less than normal following a hailstorm and ongoing rains, prompting processors and fresh market buyers to shift demand from Mexico to California
• East Coast supplies are average for this time of year; iceberg weights are lighter than normal with large frames and puffy texture
  • Iceberg weights are ranging from low to high 30 lbs., compared to normal ranges of high 30 to low 40 lbs.
• Elevated markets are expected to continue through mid-July, at minimum

Tomatoes

Tomato transitions are occurring on both coasts; the East Coast is snug due to recent challenging weather. Regional local deals starting in mid- to late July will assist overall tomato supply. MFC Tomatoes are available.

Round

• East Coast volume will meet demand as South Carolina winds down
  • Transitions into Tennessee and Virginia are occurring with steady volume
  • Smaller, summer local deals will help supplement in mid-July
• California’s San Joaquin Valley is in full production with good volume and sizing options
• Mexico has production on the Baja Peninsula (crossing Otay Mesa) and Jalisco/Michoacan (crossing S.Texas)
• • Baja has strong volume and quality
  • Central Mexico has been affected by poor weather; quality is reduced
• Expect slightly higher markets over the next two weeks

Roma

• East Coast volume is snug due to recent poor weather
• Tennessee and North Carolina growing regions will start in a limited manner this week
• California supply is increasing with good quality
• Central Mexico quality is fair due to weather challenges; Baja has lighter supply as some early season growers wind down
• Expect slightly higher markets over the next week

Grape & Cherry Varieties

• Overall supply remains snug as poor weather has impacted transitions between South Carolina and Virginia
• Smaller local deals in Tennessee, Kentucky, and North Carolina will help supply over the next two weeks
• Baja/Central Mexico is seeing increased demand from East Coast buyers
• Expect higher markets to persist over the next two weeks

Tomato Suspension Agreement

• The US Department of Commerce is soon expected to decide on whether to reinstate a 20.9% duty on Mexican tomato imports
• The July 14 deadline is fast approaching; however, there is no current indication that a reversal or delay will occur
• Roma and round tomato market impacts could be minimal until the main Mexican season begins in the Fall
• Grape and cherry tomato supply is more reliant on Mexico and markets may react differently
• Markon will continue to monitor and report on any decision regarding the current Tomato Suspension Agreement

Tropical Storm Chantal

Tropical Storm Chantal formed off the coast of South Carolina on Saturday, July 5, made landfall early Sunday morning, and was then downgraded to a tropical depression.

• Minimal damage and flooding were caused
• North Carolina received two to four inches of rain over the weekend
• Harvesting and fruit maturity delays are anticipated in the Central and Eastern North Carolina growing regions
• Chantal has moved northeast into Virginia and is expected to continue to weaken over the next day
• Markon will continue to monitor and update as more information becomes available

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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