News and Stories

A limited supply of Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available in Santa Maria, California; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted as needed.

Overall supplies remain limited in California. Quality has improved due to drier conditions, but cooler-than-normal temperatures are keeping yields low. Prices are slightly lower compared to last week, yet demand continues to exceed supply. More rain is forecast for this weekend and Thanksgiving weekend; this could reduce West Coast stocks again. Markon recommends moving strawberry orders to South Texas next week (if possible), for best coverage (pending rainfall).

Santa Maria, California

• A limited supply of MFC Strawberries are available; MBA is being substituted as needed
• Last week’s weather was dry; temperatures were favorable, improving short-term quality/shelf-life and increasing supply levels
• This week’s temperatures are lower-than-normal, resulting in slower growth and lower yields
• The market has eased slightly, but prices remain elevated; overall demand exceeds supply
• Approximately 0.25” to 0.50” of rain is forecast for Sunday, November 20 with another storm system expected to hit Saturday, November 26
• Expect prices to remain elevated; supplies will be limited through the Thanksgiving holiday 

Oxnard, California 

• The region has received less rainfall than Santa Maria over the past few weeks; however, overall fall supplies remain tight
• Up to 0.25” of rain is forecast for this Sunday, November 20 with another storm system expected to hit Saturday, November 26
• The market is slightly lower, but overall demand exceeds supply
• New crop spring harvesting of MFC Strawberries will begin in early January 

Mexico

• The primary growing region received a significant amount of rain this past weekend, delaying harvests and reducing shipments crossing into the U.S.
• Rain-related quality issues such as bruising, bleeding, decay, mold, and water damage may be present; size is dominated by medium berries
• Shipments are expected to increase by early next week as favorable weather is forecast
• Most grower-shippers are only offering the 8/1-pound pack size in full pallet increments (108 cases per pallet)
• If possible, Markon recommends moving orders to South Texas next week for best coverage due to the rain forecast for California
• A limited supply of MBA Strawberries (loading in South Texas) should be available the week of November 28

Florida

• The Florida season is just around the corner; very limited supplies have begun shipping
• Some growers have started harvesting their mud crop, which only yields a few pallets a week at the start of the season
• Supplies are expected to ramp up over the next few weeks; expect promotable volume by mid-December

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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