Asparagus

Markets continue to fall as Peruvian imports enter the market and Baja, Mexico moves into peak season. Expect steady prices for the next seven to ten days.

Mexico

• Baja, Mexico is North America’s primary growing region
• Strong winds and flooding caused by Hurricane Hilary did minimal damage to crops; suppliers have worked to cull scarred and bent stalks
• Size profile has evened; large and standard sizes dominate availability
• Jumbo and extra-large supplies are increasingly available

Peru

• Volume remains below average due to an early onset of El Nino weather pattern but supplies through September have been plentiful
• Growing regions in Southern Peru are seeing good quality and high yields
• FOB pricing out of Miami is comparable to Mexican product crossing at the southern border

Blueberries

Blueberry supplies are extremely limited; the domestic season has ended and imported shipments have been delayed. Expect elevated markets and scarce supplies for the next four weeks.

• The Pacific Northwest and Michigan seasons have ended
• Peruvian import shipments are delayed due to quality problems
• Mexican production is off to a slow start; rains have delayed harvests
• Demand far exceeds supply; the industry will remain in a production gap for the next three to four weeks
• Expect high markets and pro-rated orders for the next four weeks

Limes

Lime markets are elevated and continue to climb; premium grades are limited. Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials (ESS) Limes are available.

• Mexican lime supplies are snug in the Veracruz region due to reduced quality and extra grading
  • Past inclement weather is causing some fruit to fall from trees prematurely
  • Oil spotting, stylar end breakdown, and yellowing are the main concerns
• 110- to 150-count sizes are extremely limited
• Expect even higher prices through October

Stone Fruit

The California stone fruit season will end this week.

Peaches/Nectarines

• The California season has come to an end early due to prior rains from Hurricane Hilary
• The Chilean peach and nectarine season begins in mid-January

Plums

• Supplies are tight; coverage is on a day-by-day basis

• The California season will run through the first week of October

• The Chilean plum season begins in mid-January

Sweet Baby Broccoli

Industry wide quality challenges have reduced available supplies of Baby Broccoli. Markon First Crop (MFC) and Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Sweet Baby Broccoli is available.

• Higher than average humidity has contributed to higher levels of bottom rot and brown bead, reducing yields at the field level
• Lower nighttime temperatures and shorter days will keep yields lighter than for the next two to three weeks
• Expect elevated prices on the open market and limited supplies industry wide as shippers look to hold customers to 6-week averages
• Supplies are set to increase again as newer plantings come online in mid-October

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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