News and Stories

The cauliflower market is escalating; high temperatures over the past three weeks have accelerated growth and pushed production schedules forward. Growers are harvesting current lots earlier than planned, resulting in lower yields and small size. Broccoli supplies are average to below normal, resulting in strong West Coast prices. As regional seasons wind down, stronger demand will put pressure on California growers over the next two weeks. Expect rising markets within 5 to 10 days.

Broccoli

• Markon First Crop Broccoli Crowns are sporadic; Markon Best Available will be substituted as necessary
• More warm weather is forecast in Salinas this weekend; expect temperatures as high as 84° through Tuesday, October 13
• There is a wide range in quality throughout the industry; problems include brown bead, hollow core, knuckly heads, and low branches
• Crown supplies are very tight; yields are low
• Expect the market to reach the low 20s by next week

Cauliflower

• Markon Essentials Cauliflower is sporadic; packer label cartons will be substituted as necessary
• High temperatures in the California’s Central Coast growing regions have increased growth and pushed production forward; new fields are being harvested earlier than planned
• Prices will increase from the mid-teens to low 20s by early next week
• Small sizes will dominate the crop throughout the industry; yields have decreased up to 20% in some fields

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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