News and Stories

Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials (ESS) Oranges are limited; packer label is being substituted as needed. Quality is fair to good. Stronger demand and tighter supplies of 113-count and smaller fruit continue to push prices upward. The Valencia season is winding down, demand exceeds supplies; fruit will be on the market through late September.

California Valencia Oranges

• MFC and ESS Oranges are limited; packer label is being substituted as needed
• Demand exceeds supply for 88-count and smaller oranges
• Sugar levels range from 12.5 to 13.5 Brix
• Persistently high Central Valley temperatures are causing re-greening
• Chlorophyll levels are highest during the summer months
• Increased chlorophyll levels cause orange skin to re-green
• Gassing fruit is required 24 hours prior to packing
• The new crop California Navel harvest will begin in early to mid-October
• Early size estimates predict a small-size crop dominated by 113-count and smaller fruit
• Sugar levels must be at eight Brix before fruit can be harvested

Imports

• Australian, Chilean, and South African Navel oranges are on the market
• Product is available for loading on the East Coast
• Limited quantities of Australian and Chilean Navels are loading on the West Coast
• Supplies will be available through mid-October
• Quality is good: flavor is sweet
• Australian sugar levels range from 11 to 13 Brix
• Chilean Navel sugar levels vary from 11 to 12 Brix
• South African Navel sugar levels range from 11 to 13 Brix
• Available supplies are dominated by 88-count and larger fruit
• Prices are higher than those for California Valencias

Texas Oranges

• The new crop Texas orange season will begin later this week
• Fruit will be available for loading in South Texas by September 16
• Volume levels are expected by the week of September 28
• Size is averaging 88- to 113-count fruit
• Sugar levels vary from 9.5 to 10
• Both combo and choice grade fruit will be available
• Combo grade – outer appearance is comparable to a rough California choice
• Choice grade – more cosmetic scarring than combo grade fruit
• Prices will start high, but level out by mid- to late October

Florida Navels

• The new crop Florida Navel season is anticipated to start over the next six weeks
• Fruit size is still under review
• Internal pulp will be medium to deep orange; fruit will be seedless
• The Florida season will run through December

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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