News and Stories

Markon First Crop (MFC) Grapes are not available in 21-pound portion packs; packer label supplies are being substituted. New crop Chilean harvesting is behind the regular seasonal schedule. Inconsistent weather patterns during bloom growth hindered fruit development. Vessels that have arrived into West Coast ports are experiencing unloading delays due to the weather. Next week’s arrivals are pending due to these weather-related delays. If the rain persists, these vessels may not be unloaded until Monday or Tuesday of next week, further limiting West Coast grape stocks.

Lunch Bunch Grapes

• MFC Grapes are not available in 21-pound portion packs; packer label is being substituted
• The market continues to rise; stocks are tight
• Packer label domestic supplies will be shipped through early next week
• Quality is fair
• Mold and decay are concerns
• New crop Chilean packer label Lunch Bunch grapes will begin shipping by January 12
• The Flame variety will kick off the Chilean Lunch Bunch season
• This type is a rounder berry and will appear smaller when compared to California Crimsons
• Flavor will be sweet; texture will be a bit crisp
• Quality is good

Green Seedless Grapes

• New crop Chilean green seedless stocks began shipping today, January 6
• West Coast supplies are limited
• The market is higher than prices for California green seedless grapes
• Supplies are tight and not expected to reach adequate levels until early February
• Berry size is medium to large; shape is round
• Flavor is tart; sugar levels are low
• The California green seedless season will end this week
• Remaining supplies are exhibiting a wide range of quality
• Dry stems, soft texture, and straw coloring are problems
• Flavor is sweet; sugar levels are averaging 18 Brix
• Prices are rising

Red Seedless Grapes

• New crop Chilean Flame red seedless stocks began shipping Monday, January 4
• West Coast supplies are limited due to vessel delays
• Berry size is medium to medium-large; shape is round
• Flavor is tart to sweet; sugar levels are lower than California red seedless fruit
• California red seedless storage supplies will be on the market through next week
• Flavor is sweet; sugar levels range from 19 to 20 Brix
• Berry size is large; shape is round
• Quality is fair; mold and decay are issues
• Prices will continue to climb as the California season ends

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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