News and Stories

Prices are slightly higher on both coasts this week due to recent cool weather conditions in Florida and Mexico. There is a wide range of prices and quality available, especially in cucumbers and squash crops. Supplies will increase over the next 7 to 10 days due to production in new areas and improved quality. 

BELL PEPPERS:

Florida

• Florida recently experienced rain and cold temperatures; defects may include light color and stem decay

• Temperatures have returned to typical levels (highs near 80 with nighttime lows in the 50s)

• Production is increasing and quality is improving

Mexico

• Green bell peppers from Mexico (loading in Nogales, Arizona and South Texas) are plentiful due to two seasons overlapping

o Most production is moving south from Sinaloa to Sonora

o Some quality issues are apparent from remaining northern fields, but they will improve as new production increases

• Cool temperatures and clouds have inhibited red and yellow bell pepper color from deepening, resulting in fewer available   supplies; production will increase over the next 7 to 10 days

CUCUMBERS:

Florida

• Domestic cucumbers are scarce; imports are the main source on the East Coast from January to March

• Offshore supplies from Honduras will become more abundant over the next two weeks

• Quality is fair, but will improve as offshore production increases

Mexico

• Supplies from Mexico are limited due to cool temperatures; expect volume to increase in 7 to 10 days

• The market will ease as supplies become more plentiful

SQUASH:

Florida

• Quality is mixed due to recent rains; stocks will increase as temperatures warm

• Offshore squash from Honduras will supplement supplies in the coming weeks

Mexico

• Volume is low; yellow squash is especially tight

• Expect small size and light color

• Supplies will increase and quality will improve over the next 7 to 10 days as production starts in new fields

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

©2015 Markon Cooperative, Inc. All rights reserved.