News and Stories

Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available. Markets are strengthening; prices are inching up. Cool temperatures and overcast weather have slowed growth and reduced yields in the Salinas/Watsonville growing region. Expect availability to tighten and prices to rise along with Labor Day (Monday, September 5th) demand.

Salinas/Watsonville

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Cool temperatures and overcast weather have slowed growth
• Early morning dew has caused excess moisture, resulting in dirt/mud in a few clamshells
• Overall quality remains good; color is consistent and texture is fairly firm (click here for a picture of MFC strawberries from Watsonville and here for a picture of MFC strawberries from Santa Maria)
• Size is medium to medium-plus, ranging from approximately 18 to 22 berries per 1-lb. clamshell
• Markon recommends loading in Salinas/Watsonville due to availability, good quality, and lower pricing

Santa Maria

• MFC Strawberry supplies are limited
• Weather has been favorable; yields are increasing week over week
• Texture is firm and will hold up well during transit, however, berry color and size are inconsistent
• Minor quality concerns include creasing, odd-shape, salmon color, and white shoulder/tip (picture attached)
• Size is slightly larger than Salinas/Watsonville with approximately 17 to 21 berries per 1-lb. clamshell
• Quality will improve over the next few weeks as plants mature
• New crop pricing remains higher than Salinas/Watsonville
• Markets will continue inching up through Labor Day, then ease when supplies increase in early September

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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