News and Stories

Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available. Supplies will remain adequate, but pricing will begin to inch upward as the season winds down in Salinas and Watsonville. Light Santa Maria Fall crop berry harvesting has begun; these berries are priced higher than the Salinas/Watsonville Summer crop. A limited supply of MFC Strawberries from Santa Maria will be available the week of August 15.

Salinas/Watsonville

• Berries are available despite climbing prices and diminishing stocks
• Consistent weather patterns and cool overnight temperatures have helped to yield MFC brand quality
• Issues such as bleeding, bruising, and soft texture are present but very minimal
• Size is medium with approximately 18-22 berries per 1-lb. clamshell
• Expect good quality through August, depending on weather
• Markets are expected to continue strengthening as yields decrease through August and September
• Markon recommends loading in Watsonville due to availability, good quality, and lower pricing

Santa Maria

• Santa Maria’s fall harvest is underway; yields are very light to start, but are expected to steadily increase through August
• A limited supply of MFC Strawberries will be available the week of August 15
• Quality is good
• Minor quality concerns include odd-shape and uneven color
• Sizing is medium-plus with approximately 14-18 berries per 1-lb. clamshell
• Quality is expected to improve over the next few weeks as plants mature; the weather forecast is favorable
• New crop berry prices are higher than Salinas/Watsonville
• Expect prices to continue inching up through mid- to late August, until supplies reach adequate levels

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

©2016 Markon Cooperative, Inc. All rights reserved.