News and Stories

Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials (ESS) Oranges are limited; packer label is being substituted. Quality is fair.

The California Valencia season is ending; available supplies continue to decline weekly. With the California Navel season still three to four weeks away, a California orange supply shortage is forecast to start the week of September 21. Prices are firm at high levels and will continue to increase through the next several weeks. Texas new crop early orange and Navel harvesting has begun. Supplies are limited, but expected to increase by September 25.

California Valencia Oranges

• MFC and ESS Oranges are limited; packer label is being substituted
• Demand exceeds supply for 88-count and smaller oranges
• Sugar levels range from 12.5 to 13.5 Brix
• Quality is fair: soft texture and occasional skin breakdown are concerns
• 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 the week of October 5
• Early estimates predict a small-size crop dominated by 113-count and smaller fruit
• Navels will taste very well at first, as sugar levels will be low
• Sugar levels must be at eight Brix before fruit can be harvested
• From September 21 to October 5, supplies of 88-count and smaller oranges will be limited
• Markon recommends school customers possibly switch to apples during this timeframe

Texas Oranges

• The new crop Texas orange season has started
• Fruit will be available for loading in South Texas by September 16
• Volume levels are expected by September 25
• Size is averaging 88- to 113-count fruit
• Sugar levels vary from 9.5 to 10 Brix; juice content is good
• Early orange and Navel varieties are being harvested
• External color will be light and internal color will be pale compared to California citrus
• 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
• Supplies are being put into gas rooms for three to four days prior to shipping to enhance color
• Prices will start high, but level out by mid- to late October

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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