Broccoli

Markon First Crop (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 steady to slightly higher this week, yet still below average; supplies are widely available
• Sporadic dehydration, minor branching, and hollow core defects may present following a short heat spike in the desert last week
• Despite some minor rain and gusty winds, seasonally average temperatures will return through next week, aiding growth and promoting strong quality
• Limited production is ongoing in Santa Maria, California
• Expect domestic prices to creep up next week amid stronger demand

Central Mexico

• Central Mexican-grown MFC Premium Broccoli is available in South Texas
• Quality is great, though elevated insect pressure has been noted in sporadic lots
• Markets have risen amid uncertainty surrounding trade policy
  • The tariffs have incentivized suppliers to increase prices
  • The spread between the domestic and Mexican markets has shrunk this week under that upward price pressure
• Due to the rapidly evolving situation, expect continued market volatility out of this region

From the Fields: Desert Region Quality and Weather Update

Thursday, March 6

The Arizona/California desert growing region is experiencing another extremely windy day with gusts ranging from 20-35 mph and a chance for light rain overnight into Friday, March 7. Winds will decrease and conditions will be dry over the weekend. Light lettuce ice is possible in colder areas on Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10.

Another pair of strong low-pressure systems are forecast for Tuesday, March 11 and Thursday, March 13. A chance for rain will accompany the Tuesday system; both events are expected to produce more strong winds that will blow dirt/dust on desert crops and cause other issues such as dehydration and wind damage. A possible late-season frost event may follow late next week.

Markon inspectors are monitoring conditions and will update further as these weather events develop.

Monday, March 3

A cold front moving into the Arizona/California desert growing region brought strong winds of up to 40 mph Sunday night, March 2. Today’s winds are expected to range from 20-30 mph before subsiding and causing a drop in morning temperatures and possible lettuce ice by Tuesday, March 4. Another system arrives later in the week, bringing back the windy conditions and a chance for light rain in the Coachella Valley.

This cool, windy period follows an unseasonably warm February that saw temperatures in the upper 80°s to mid-90°s last week.

Insect pressure (aphids, gnats, thrips) remains a concern in lettuce crops especially, but Markon inspectors have also started to see diamondback moth larvae and pupae in broccoli and cabbage fields. These pests are also extremely difficult for growers to manage once they establish themselves.

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

Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine Lettuce

Green leaf, iceberg, and romaine prices are fairly steady at low levels. Demand is slowly increasing; however, abundant supplies are keeping prices weak.

• MFC Premium Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine are available  
• Temperatures have normalized this week, following consistent lettuce ice events in January and unseasonably warm weather in February
  • Strong winds are present in the Arizona/California desert regions this week; increased fringe burn and elevated levels of dirt may be found in some packs
  • Winds are forecast to calm this weekend; lettuce ice may impact some fields over the weekend as temperatures drop once again
• Insect pressure continues to be a concern following February’s warm weather; increased presence is expected through the duration of the Yuma season as fewer and fewer mature fields become available
• Arizona/California desert production will begin to wind down in late March and conclude by early April
• Some growers will begin harvesting in Huron, California by mid- to late March
• The Salinas season will begin in early to mid-April

Limes

Lime prices are rising as seasonal volume declines and U.S. tariffs on Mexican imports raise concerns. MFC and Markon Essentials (ESS) Limes are available

Mexico (into South Texas)

• Volume is down as growers move into the next crop cycle for which projections are lower at this time of year
• Quality ranges from good to fair between new and existing crop supplies; oil spotting, stylar, and decay are occasional issues
• Size is shifting towards smaller 200- through 250-count limes as growers move into new crop supplies; larger 110- to 175-count sizes are expected to become limited over the next three to four weeks
• Markon recommends increased order lead time to ensure coverage; late orders or additions need to be substituted with packer label
• Expect prices to rise as seasonal volume declines through April

Colombia

• Packer label limes are available for loading out of Florida
• Prices are inching up as demand shifts from Mexico, trailing slightly below Mexican fruit costs

• Quality is good
• Expect prices to climb over the next two to three weeks

Strawberries

Rain is forecast for Santa Maria and Oxnard, California this Wednesday, April 5 and Thursday, April 6, then again early next week. Expect elevated markets and tight supplies for the next two weeks.

Santa Maria

• MFC Strawberries are available; packer label may be substituted as necessary
• Expect harvesting delays due to rain
• 1.75 inches of rain are forecast between Monday, March 10 through Thursday, March 13
• Expect fair quality

Oxnard

• MFC Strawberries are available; packer label may be substituted as needed
• Expect harvest delays due to rain
• Size currently ranges from 10-16 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• Expect fair quality

Mexico (into South Texas)

• Peak season has passed; yields have started to drop
• Size currently ranges from 18-26 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• Quality is good; uneven ripening and light bruising have been reported
• The season will end March 8

Florida

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Supplies have increased; the season will run through mid-March
• Size currently ranges from 15-22 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• Quality is beginning to rebound from last week’s rain
• Demand is strong due to rains in California and low volume in Mexico

Tomatoes

Tomato winter volume is at its peak; demand is weak and prices are low. This is an excellent time to promote the category. MFC Tomatoes are available.

Round

• East Coast production is strong
• Florida will continue shipping high-quality supplies for several weeks
• Stocks are ample in Sinaloa, Mexico
• Expect low/promotable prices for the next two weeks

Roma

• East Coast supplies are plentiful due to ideal weather conditions
• Volume is high out of Sinaloa, Mexico
• New crop quality is very good; all sizes are available
• Expect weak markets for the next two weeks

Grape & Cherry Varieties

• Supplies are increasing in South Florida
• Stocks are abundant in Western Mexico
• Limited yields are also available in the Mexican states of Jalisco and Nayarit
• Expect low prices, barring any significant weather events

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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