News and Stories

UPDATE: Onions

March 24, 2015

 

Prices for Markon First Crop (MFC) Onions from Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Washington continue to rise. Due to recent cool and wet weather in Tampico, Mexico, consistent supplies of packer label Mexican onions (into South Texas) have been delayed until April. Supplies are diminishing in some Northwestern regions, but there will be enough to avoid a supply gap. Markon will send recommendations regarding whether to purchase in the Northwest or in Mexico (into South Texas); factors include quality, supply, price levels, and members’ distribution centers’ geographic locations. Currently, Markon recommends loading in Idaho, Oregon, or Washington for best quality and price.

 

California

  • MFC Red and Yellow Onions are expected to be available the week of April 20   
  • The season will begin a week earlier than normal due to ideal, warm growing conditions in the desert growing regions
  • Large sizes will dominate the crop, especially jumbo and colossal onions
  • Spring onions are milder in flavor and lighter in color than storage stocks from the Northwest

  

Eastern Oregon/Idaho/Washington

  • MFC Red and Yellow Onions will be available through late April/early May
  • Internal decay, sprouting, and breakdown are becoming more apparent, therefore supplies are diminishing sooner than anticipated
  • Storage stocks that are being shipped continue to maintain solid texture, globe-like shape, dry flaky husks, and zesty, peppery flavor

 

Mexico and Texas

  • MFC Red and Yellow Onions from Texas will be on the market in mid-April
  • Very limited quantities of sweet and conventional yellow onions from Mexico (into Texas) are on the market now; expect a more consistent supply next month
  • Yields are lower than normal due to wet and damp weather conditions 
  • Approximately 75-80% of the Texas crop has been affected by seeders, a condition that occurs when the bulb of the onion does not receive enough heat, preventing the onion from maturing
  • Spring onions are milder in flavor and lighter in color than storage stocks from the Northwest

 

New Mexico

  • MFC Red and Yellow Onions are expected on the market in late May
  • Spring onions are milder in flavor and lighter in color than storage stocks from the Northwest

 

Utah

  • MFC Red and Yellow Onions will be shipped through mid-April
  • The crop remains dominated by jumbo and medium sizes

 

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

 

©2015 Markon Cooperative, Inc. All rights reserved.