UPDATE SUMMARY: WEEK OF OCTOBER 7, 2021

October 7, 2021

Blueberries

South American volume is low due to weather-related issues that occurred early in the season as well as unloading delays at the Port of Long Beach, California
Port delays are averaging two to five days
Peruvian supplies are increasing and will become the main source for the next several months
Mexican production began last month; volume is low but will increase each week

Broccoli Markets

Salinas Valley and Santa Maria

Markon First Crop (MFC) Broccoli is available
Stocks are expected to remain tight over the next several weeks
Cool weather is forecast to slow growth, resulting in fewer available supplies over the next two weeks
Expect elevated markets through October

Mexican Broccoli (Crossing into South Texas)

Stocks will be very limited over the next several weeks
Heavy rain has reduced yields in the primary growing region
Demand is extremely strong out of this region due to the freight savings (compared to ordering from California)
Expect high prices to persist through October

Green Beans

Rain could hinder production this week
Quality is very good
Central Mexico is providing additional supply to supplement Baja volume this week; production will start in mainland Mexico in mid-November
California will see cooler weather this week, lowering yields; expect new crop harvesting to start in the Imperial Valley in two to three weeks
Production is ending in New York, Tennessee, and Ohio
Expect prices to remain steady this week

Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine

MFC Premium Green Leaf and Romaine are available
MFC Premium Iceberg is sporadic; Markon Best Available is being substituted as needed
Weather fluctuations and increased disease pressure are challenging Salinas Valley yields and carton weights
- Cooler-than-normal temperatures are forecast over the next two weeks; field growth will slow, further limiting supplies
- Disease pressure, including Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus and Sclerotinia, is more prominent at this point in the season, reducing harvestable yields; harvesting crews are culling affected heads from final packs
Quality is good
- Limited amounts of fringe burn, internal burn, and seeder are being detected at the field level
- Mildew pressure is increasing
Iceberg harvesting will begin in Huron in mid- to late October; green leaf, iceberg, and romaine production will begin in the Arizona/California desert by early to mid- November
Most suppliers are holding contracts to averages
Expect elevated markets through October

Idaho Potatoes

New Crop Norkotahs

Size continues to be dominated by 40- to 70-count packs; 90- and 100-count supplies are limited
Quality is good: occasional skinning, excess moisture, and cooler mold may be observed in fresh-run potatoes
U.S. No. 2 production remains low, as potatoes that would normally meet No. 1 grade are being packed to meet demand for No. 2 grade orders; No. 2 supplies will increase once potatoes are shipped out of storage

New Crop Burbanks

Limited quantities of fresh-run, packer label Burbank potatoes will be available for shipment next week
Once the harvest is complete, Burbank potatoes will be cellared in order to go through the sweat process, then will start shipping in early November

Oranges

MFC and Markon Essentials California Valencia Oranges are available
Heat, dehydration, and gas times are taking a toll on the quality of late-season fruit
Expect extremely limited Valencia supplies until the Navel season begins
- Small-size fruit (113- to 138-count oranges) will be scarce for the rest of the Valencia season
- Prices are high
Quality concerns include re-greening and decay due to above-normal temperatures through the summer months
The California Navel season will begin in late October/early November, depending on weather

Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Broccoli

Inconsistent weather patterns have slowed growth in the Salinas Valley and Santa Maria growing regions
Rain continues to drive disease and pests, lowering overall yields in the Guanajuato growing region of Mexico
Overall quality is good: pin rot is affecting some lots
Supplies are extremely limited out of all areas; demand exceeds supply
Expect elevated prices for the next 10 to 14 days until production is able to sufficiently meet current demand

RSS Cabbage

Supplies are limited due to inconsistent weather patterns in the Salinas Valley
- High temperatures earlier in the season damaged younger plantings
- Recent cooler weather has hindered growth
Overall quality is good; however, worm damage is reducing harvestable yields at the field level
Size profile is small as growers are roughly 7 to 10 days ahead of harvest schedules; additionally, growers are harvesting fields earlier to minimize insect pressure
Expect elevated markets and tight supplies for the duration of the Salinas season; the Arizona/California Desert season will begin in mid- to late November

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

Search News & Press