California Navel Orange Crop

California’s 2026-27 Navel orange crop is forecast at 84 million cartons, up from last season due to improved fruit set and stable sizing. While production is expected to increase, it remains below historical crops that exceeded 90 million cartons, supporting a balanced supply outlook. Overall, the larger crop will provide consistent availability throughout the season while maintaining favorable market conditions.

Markon Impact

• Increased production will drive a smooth transition from Valencia oranges into new-crop California Navels, maintaining consistent supply for Markon members throughout the fall and winter seasons
• Restaurants, schools, and other foodservice operators can expect better availability of 113- and 138-count oranges
• Stable sizing will support consistent yields and specifications for fresh-cut programs, merchandising, grab-and-go offerings, and juice applications
• While the crop is larger than last season, volume remains below historical highs, which will help prevent excessive market pressure and support generally stable pricing
• The California Navel season is currently estimated to begin shipping the week of October 25

Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine

Due to the recent heat and the presence of Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV) in the Salinas and Santa Maria Valleys, many iceberg growers have lost as much as 20% of their yields. Strong processor demand is fueling this market, which will reach $30+ next week, possibly higher. Green leaf and romaine have been subjected to the same challenges. Markon First Crop (MFC) Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine Lettuces are available in Salinas, California; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted as needed due to low weights.

Salinas/Santa Maria, California

• Quality ranges from fair to good; insect pressure, internal burn, mildew, and seeder are found in many lots
• Disease pressure, including INSV and Sclerotinia, persists; percentages of impacted heads vary from lot to lot

• Elevated temperatures forecast through Thursday this week will promote additional disease and insect pressure
• Prices will continue rising through next weeks

Colorado

• Iceberg harvests are expected to end for the season late next week

Mexico (crossing into Texas)

• Production takes place year-round

Michigan

• Harvesting will run through September

Northeastern Canada and USA

• Harvesting will continue through early October
• Iceberg quality has been erratic from week to week; green leaf and romaine quality has been more consistent

Lemons

Prices remain elevated due to limited supplies and strong demand across all production regions. Market conditions are expected to remain firm until volume increases.

Domestic

• MFC and Markon Essentials (ESS) Lemons are available  
• Small sizes (165- through 235-count fruit) remain limited
• Expect to make Country of Origin substitutions to fill orders
• Quality is good; brown spotting, early decay, and scarring are being reported
• Quality will improve when growers start harvesting new crop fruit in late September
• Elevated pricing is forecast for the next four weeks

Offshore

• Offshore fruit from Argentina and Chile will be shipped into North America through early December
• Size will be dominated by large lemons (95- to 140-count stocks); smaller sizes will be available as well
• Expect higher pricing (compared to domestic and Mexican fruit) due to strong quality

Mexican

• Mexican shipments have started and will run through late November
• These supplies will help fill the demand not met by California lemons
• Size will be dominated by 165- to 235-count fruit; larger sizes will also be available
• Quality is good; scarring is being reported
• Expect pricing to be lower than domestic fruit and offshore fruit

Limes

Prices are climbing; supply levels are falling. MFC and ESS Limes are available.

Mexico

• Higher-than-average temperatures in the Veracruz growing region have reduced production
• New crop harvesting has begun, supplementing declining volume in older sets
• Small sizes, 230- to 250-count limes, are becoming a higher proportion of total volume and exhibiting better external appearance
• Large sizes are getting tighter
• Stylar, skin breakdown, and discoloration are being reported; suppliers are intensifying grading to maintain quality
• The upcoming Mexican Independence Day on September 16 will reduce crossings this week, further tightening availability
• Markets will continue to rise through September

Colombia

• Overall volume is steady, but below historical averages
• Quality is superior to Mexican limes
• Demand is strengthening, causing prices to rise

Hawaii

• With exporting limited to Canada, harvesting has been reduced to match demand
• Expect a clean external appearance, but with lighter coloring

Strawberries

Open-market strawberry prices have declined due to weak demand, creating a softer market with plentiful availability.

Santa Maria, California 

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Berry size is medium, averaging 22-26 berries per 8/1-pound clamshell
• Quality ranges from fair to good, with reports of sun scalding, soft skin, and overripe fruit
• Volume continues to increase as fall production ramps up
• Maintaining the cold chain is critical to maximize shelf life; quick inventory turns are recommended
• The market is expected to remain steady until demand strengthens and absorbs the increasing supply

Watsonville/Salinas

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Berry size is medium, with counts ranging from 24 to 28 berries per 8/1-pound clamshell
• Quality is currently fair, with occasional reports of misshapen fruit, bruising, and soft skin
• Maintaining the cold chain is critical to maximizing shelf life; quick inventory turns are recommended
• The season is expected to end in late September
• Expect steady prices until demand rises

Oxnard, California

• Limited production has begun
• Markon’s first loading day is September 28

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

©2026 Markon Cooperative, Inc. All rights reserved.