News and Stories

Bell Peppers
Green Bells

• Mexican supplies are tight due to last month’s cool evenings
  • Size has decreased
  • Extra-large peppers are commanding higher prices
• Florida bell pepper production is steady
• The California growing season has started in the Coachella Valley
  • Expect light production over next two weeks, with the season hitting its stride by April 15
  • Early harvesting will be heavily dominated by jumbo and large sizes
• Expect strong markets over next two weeks; quality is excellent

Red and Yellow Bells

• Mexico is the primary growing region
  • Ample supplies are expected over the next two weeks
  • Prices are expected to remain low
• California’s Coachella Valley crop will start in mid-May
• Canadian greenhouse volume is increasing
  • Most peppers are in the extra-large to jumbo size range
  • Quality is excellent

Limes

• Mexican shipments (crossing through South Texas) are well below normal to start the week
• Harvesting was curtailed over the weekend due to Good Friday and Easter
• 110- and 150-count sizes are especially tight
  • The crop is producing very few large sizes
  • Demand is shifting to 175- and 200-count fruit
• Prices are rising across all sizes; however, there is a considerable savings on 230- and 250-count sizes this week
• Expect elevated markets through May due to bloom drop and low fruit set caused by a cold front in February

Onions
Idaho, Oregon, and Washington

• MFC Red and Yellow Onions from Idaho, Oregon, and Washington will ship through early May
• White onions are nearly depleted; supplies will be very sporadic as the season concludes
• Expect diminishing quality in storage shipments as the season begins to wrap up
  • Onions will have golden, cured skins, but may be softer than early and mid-season stocks
  • Problems may include occasional internal decay, mold, and multiple centers/hearts

Texas

• Fresh-run, Texas-grown onions have a small size profile, mostly yielding medium and jumbo supplies
• This crop has feathery skins and light color/exterior skins compared to Northwest storage onions

Oranges

• Remaining Navel stocks are dominated by 88-count and larger sizes
• Current Navel sugar levels range from 12 to 14 Brix; Valencia sugar levels are expected to start from 9 to 12 Brix
• Navels are a deeper orange color while, Valencias range from light to full color and will require greening in the summer months
• Mexican Valencias are expected to be on the market through June
  • Mexican Valencia sugar levels are currently 12 to 14 Brix
  • Stocks are dominated by 88- to 113-count sizes

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.
 
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