News and Stories

Green Leaf and Romaine

• Demand is strong
• The Salinas Valley’s recent heatwave reduced supplies; weather-related defects, including internal burn, seeder, sun scalding, and dehydration, are limiting harvestable acres
• Temperatures have returned to near normal, although a period of hotter weather in early September could increase the severity of quality defects
• As the River Fire persists, field-packed green leaf and romaine will contain higher levels of ash than other Salinas Valley commodities as their open frames trap ash deep inside the heads
• Expect elevated markets over the next two to three weeks

Iceberg

• Quality is better than expected following the recent Salinas Valley heatwave; high temperatures increased growth
• Sporadic defects are present in some lots, including seeder, puffy texture, and internal burn
• Temperatures have returned to near normal, although a period of hotter weather in early September could increase the severity of quality defects and further accelerate growth
• As the River Fire continues, ash will be present in iceberg fields, but the amount found in finished packs will be greatly reduced because wrapper leaves are being removed during production
• Expect low prices over the next two to three weeks followed by a potential increase if volume tightens (pending weather)

Oranges

• Markon First Crop and Markon Essentials Valencia Oranges are available
• California’s Valencia orange season will wind down faster than forecast due to excessive heat that has caused fruit to fall off trees; quality issues such fruit softening, skin breakdown, and re-greening are also problems affecting the crop
• Offshore oranges from Australia, Chile, Morocco, South Africa, and Uruguay are available and can be substituted for Valencia orders; imports are dominated by 88-count and larger sizes, as well as fancy grade fruit
• The Texas Early Navel season should start shipping in late September; size will be dominated by 72- and 88-count fruit
• Florida growers will begin harvesting the Hamlin variety in mid- to late October
• Mexican oranges will be on the market in November
• Domestic Navels are forecast to ship in late October

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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