News and Stories

Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available out of Coachella and Oxnard, California. Supplies have increased throughout all California growing regions. Prices are low due to decreased demand and plentiful supplies, but are expected to begin rising again next week as the Easter holiday nears.

Coachella, California

• MFC Strawberries are available; quality is very good
• Berries are exhibiting uneven size and odd shape
• Size is averaging 18 to 20 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• Unseasonably warm temperatures are expected over the weekend
• Berry color will deepen quickly
• Size is expected to diminish
• Soft texture and bruising are concerns
• The season is forecast to run through early April, pending quality

Oxnard, California

• MFC Strawberries are available; quality is very good
• Uneven size and odd shape are being reported
• Size is averaging 17 to 21 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• The Oxnard season will hit its growing peak over the next few weeks
• Unseasonably warm temperatures are expected over the weekend
• Berry color will deepen quickly
• Size is expected to diminish
• Soft texture and bruising are concerns
• The Oxnard season is forecast to run through May, pending quality

Santa Maria, California

• New crop Santa Maria berries are on the market; quality is good
• Harvesting is several weeks ahead of schedule due to warmer weather
• Supplies are sufficient
• Berry counts range from 14 to 16 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• Volume levels should be reached by the week of April 13
• MFC Strawberries should start shipping the week of April 6

Salinas/Watsonville, California

• Warmer weather has led to an early season in these growing regions
• Harvesting is several weeks ahead of schedule
• Stocks will increase this week; volume levels will be reached by mid-April
• Berry counts range from 14 to 26 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• MFC Strawberries should start shipping the week of May 4

Mexico

• Berry counts range from 20 to 24 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• Light bruising is being reported
• The season is forecast to run through early to mid-April
• Product is available for loading out of Yuma, Arizona and McAllen, Texas

Florida

• The Florida berry season is winding down
• Quality is good; light bruising is being reported
• Size is small, averaging 20 to 26 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• Harvesting will continue through Easter (early April)

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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