News and Stories

Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials Oranges are available; packer label is being substituted as needed. California late-season Navel oranges will be shipped through the end of May. New crop California Valencia harvesting has started; volume is low, but expected to be adequate by the week of May 9. The Valencia season has ended in Texas. Mexican Valencias are now on the market and can be loaded in South Texas. Florida Valencias will be available through June; supplies are sufficient.

California Navels

• Limited supplies of California late-season Navel oranges will be shipped through late May/early June
• Quality is good, yet softness is a concern
• Flavor is sweet: sugar levels range from 12 to 13 Brix
• Stocks are dominated by 72-count and larger sizes; markets are stable to slightly lower than last week
• Supplies of 113-count and smaller sizes are extremely limited; prices for smaller sizes are rising
• New crop Valencia harvesting has started; supplies are tight
• A majority of stocks are being exported during the early part of the season; texture is firmer than late-season Navels (which are holding up better in transit)
• Supplies for domestic use will increase over the next several weeks; adequate volume is expected by mid- to late May
• MFC Valencia Oranges will hit the market the week of May 9
• Industry crop estimates for this season are up 10% over last year, but remain historically lower due to decreased acreage
• Early size estimates predict that the crop will be dominated by 113-count fruit followed by 138- and 88-count sizes
• The market is expected to be slightly higher than the current California Navel market
• Quality is good, sugar levels range from 11 to 12 brix

Florida Valencias

• Supplies will be on the market through June
• Fresh-run fruit will be packed through May
• Stocks will move into storage in late May/early June
• Quality is very good
• Flavor is sweet: sugar levels range from 12.5 to 13.5 Brix
• Supplies are adequate
• The crop is dominated by 80- to 100-count sizes
• The market is stable; prices are higher than those for California fruit

Mexican Valencias

• Stocks are available for loading in South Texas
• The season will run through June
• Only choice grade fruit is available
• Sizes ranges from 72- to 113-count fruit in choice grade only
• Expect light exterior color with some scarring
• Quality is good: sugar levels range from 11 to 13 Brix
• Prices are higher than those for California fruit
• Mexican oranges are a good alternative for juicing

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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