News and Stories

Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials (ESS) Lemons are sporadic; packer label domestic and Mexican lemons are being substituted. Arizona/California desert lemons are on the market; supplies continue to increase weekly. New crop harvesting has begun in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Overall markets remain elevated and are not expected to ease until mid-November.

California

• MFC and ESS Lemons are sporadic
• The Southern California season has ended
• The Arizona/California desert region is the primary growing area; the season will continue through March
• Demand exceeds supply; 165-count and smaller fruit are especially tight
• New crop supplies are dominated by 140-count and larger sizes
• Fancy grade fruit is most abundant; choice grade stocks are limited
• Fruit is still very green and requires time in gas rooms
• New crop San Joaquin Valley harvesting has started
• Early estimates predict the crop will be dominated by 140-count and larger fruit; 165-count and smaller lemons will be scarce
• Fancy grade fruit is most abundant; choice grade supplies are limited
• Cooler nights in the San Joaquin Valley will help enhance color; fruit will need less time in gas rooms
• The season will run through May
• Expect tight supplies of 165-count and smaller sizes through January
• Prices are stable at high levels
• Overall quality is good
• When ordering, lead time is recommended

Mexican

• Product is available for loading out of California’s San Joaquin Valley and South Texas
• All sizes are available; supplies are adequate
• Strong demand and low California volume are keeping Mexican lemon prices high
• Quality is good
• Rain is forecast this week which could tighten supplies and push markets upward

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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