News and Stories

Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted as needed. Supplies are ample; prices are slightly lower than last week. Weather has been favorable; quality is at its peak in the Salinas/Watsonville, California growing region. Flavor is sweet and texture is firm. It’s a great time to promote California strawberries.

Oxnard, California

• The season has come to an end
• Harvesting will resume in October/November

Santa Maria, California

• MFC Strawberries are not available; MBA is being substituted as needed
• Supplies are ample, but most fields are past their harvesting peak; production will decrease over the next several weeks
• The current crop will be harvested through the summer; the fall crop will start in August/September
• Bruising, small size, and soft texture will become concerns due to the warm weather in the forecast
• Fresh supplies will decrease; many shippers will begin sending lots to processors/freezers
• Current quality is not as high as berries from Salinas/Watsonville
• Problems include bleeding, bronzing, bruising, inconsistent size, occasional mildew, and wind damage
• Most fruit is medium in size
• Counts average 19 to 24 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• Prices are $1.00 to $2.00 lower than those in Salinas/Watsonville

Salinas/Watsonville, California

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Weather has been favorable; supplies are abundant
• Quality is very good due to the lack of rain and warm temperatures over the past several weeks
• Flavor is at its peak; fruit is sweet and juicy
• Minor concerns include bruising, creasing, tight packs due to large-size fruit, and white shoulders
• Size ranges from medium-plus to large
• Counts average 13 to 18 berries per 1-pound clamshell
• The market is slightly lower than last week

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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