News and Stories

Prices are higher this week; demand exceeds supply. Volume is down due to cold temperatures and rain, but stocks are expected to increase over the next two weeks; minimal rain is in the forecast. California supplies are extremely limited, while Florida and Mexico (into South Texas) have better availability. Markon recommends loading strawberries in South Texas for best quality and price through next week.

Oxnard, California 

• Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Best Available (MBA) Strawberries are not available; packer label supplies (in one-pound clamshells) are being substituted
• The weather forecast is calling for less than 0.20” of rain this week and next
• Harvesting crews are only packing four to five days a week
• Growers are culling rain-damaged fruit and should be back to packing a limited supply of MBA one-pound clamshells by Friday, January 15
• Quality is fairly good
• Bleeding, bruising, occasional decay/water damage, and wind scarring are concerns
• Some berries may show signs of dirt
• Counts are averaging 20 to 25 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• Long-stem strawberries are extremely limited
• Expect tight stocks and elevated prices through mid-February, when new crop spring harvesting begins in Santa Maria, California

Mexico (into South Texas)

• Prices are higher than last week; demand is strong, keeping availability limited
• Possible rain this week in the primary growing regions of Jalisco and Michoacán will keep supplies limited through the weekend
• Quality is very good
• Texture is firm
• Counts are averaging 24 to 28 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• Very few arrival issues are being reported
• Long-stem strawberries are extremely limited
• A limited supply of MBA Strawberries will be available for loading the week of January 25

Florida

• Prices are higher than last week; demand is strong
• Quality has been a struggle for many growers this season due to high temperatures
• This week’s cooler weather has reduced yields, but will help increase size and improve quality in the coming weeks
• Current quality problems include
• Bruising/bleeding
• Occasional decay
• Odd shape
• Small size
• Counts are averaging 24 to 34 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• Long-stem strawberries are extremely limited
• Expect strong demand and elevated prices through Valentine’s Day

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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