News and Stories

Excessive heat and high humidity in California’s San Joaquin Valley will impact multiple commodities over the next two weeks. Prolonged temperatures in the 109-111º range over the weekend impacted availability of crews as well as quality issues.

Grapes

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Lunch Bunch Grapes and Markon Essentials (ESS) Red Seedless Grapes are available
• High temperatures and humidity will cause softness and mold issues
• Supplies are expected to remain adequate through September

Melons

• MFC Cantaloupe and Honeydew will be sporadic over the next two weeks
• High humidity levels will cause over maturity, early breakdown and inconsistent sugar content
• Sugar levels will range from 8-12 Brix, as compared to more consistent levels of 14-16 Brix

Oranges

• MFC and ESS Valencia Oranges are sporadic; packer label supplies are being substituted as needed
• Persistently high temperatures are causing rind breakdown, softness, and stem end aging which has significantly decreased yields at pack out
  • Re-greening is a common issue this time of year due to heat
  • Shelf-life is shorter than normal; ordering for quick turns is recommended
• Small sizes are extremely limited; demand exceeds supply

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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