News and Stories

Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available; packer label is being substituted when necessary. Cold weather in the Coachella Valley and Oxnard, California growing regions has slowed production. Warmer weather is expected; supplies will begin to increase mid- to late next week. The California market is steady, but will begin to rise by mid-week due to tighter supplies and increased demand. Stocks from Florida and Mexico (into Southern California and Texas) are adequate; prices are stable. The new crop Santa Maria season will start in mid-February.

California (Coachella and Oxnard)

• MFC Strawberries are available; packer label is being substituted when necessary
• Oxnard is the primary growing region; Coachella volume is low
• Quality is good; texture is firm
• Low temperatures have slowed production
• White shoulders are an issue
• Berry counts range from 24 to 28 per one-pound clamshell
• Color is light red to red
• Supplies are expected to increase by mid- to late next week
• The market is steady, but will begin to rise by mid-week

Mexico (Baja and Central Mexico)

• Adequate supplies are being shipped into Southern California and South Texas
• Quality is very good
• Berry counts range from 19 to 23 berries per one-pound clamshell
• Color is red to deep red
• Prices are stable

Florida

• Stocks are sufficient
• Quality is good
• Berry counts range from 17 to 18 per one-pound clamshell
• Color is red to deep red
• The market is level
• Low temperatures are forecast for Wednesday and Thursday; expect slow production
• Harvesting crews are packing ahead in anticipation of the cold weather
• Growers will water fields to help protect against the freeze

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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