News and Stories

Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are not available; Markon Best Available (in one-pound clamshells) and/or packer label is being substituted due to limited West Coast supplies. Strawberry pricing began easing this past week due to weaker demand and increased supplies from Florida and Mexico.

Santa Maria, California

• Expect limited supplies through next week; up to 0.50” of rain is forecast for this Thursday and Friday
• Overall volume is on the decline; the fall crop is winding down
• Quality is good
• Size is medium
• Counts range from 24 to 28 berries per one-pound clamshell
• Inconsistent color and white shoulders are concerns, but texture is strong
• Prices have fallen drastically; markets are expected to remain steady to slightly lower for the rest of the week (pending rainfall)

Oxnard, California

• The Oxnard winter season is ramping up, but 0.10” of rain is expected this Thursday and Friday
• Quality is very good
• Size is medium to medium plus
• Counts range from 18 to 24 berries per one-pound clamshell
• Yields remain very low due to cold temperatures, but are expected to increase into January
• The market has eased, but new crop fruit is commanding higher prices
• Limited quantities of MFC Strawberries will be available starting next week

Mexico

• Supplies loading in South Texas are adequate; the market has eased
• Fruit is crossing daily; availability is much better than a week ago
• Most suppliers are only shipping full pallet quantities (108 cases per pallet)
• Quality is fairly-good
• Minor problems include bruising, decay, over ripeness, and small size
• Size is small to medium (smaller than in California)
• Counts range from 28 to 32 berries per one-pound clamshell
• Expect prices to continue easing as the season progresses

Florida

• Stocks are adequate; this market is lower than California and Mexico
• Supplies increased quickly due to warm weather; this year’s crop is ahead of last year’s volume
• Many lots are experiencing high color and very small size; counts range from 30 to 50 berries per one-pound clamshell
• Quality issues are present and include bruising, bleeding, decay, over ripeness, small size, and softness
• Only one-pound clamshells are available until quality improves and size increases
  

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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