News and Stories

Bell Peppers

• Red and yellow bell pepper prices are level; volume is sufficient
  • California production is steady
  • Shipments from mainland Mexico (crossing into Nogales, Arizona and McAllen, Texas) have started in a limited manner; significant volume is not expected until the week of December 21
  • Cool weather in Culiacan, Sinaloa has delayed the start of the season
• Green bell pepper prices are weak; supplies are abundant in Florida and Mexico

Broccoli and Cauliflower

• Yields are down; recent cold temperatures have hindered crop maturity
• Demand has rebounded faster than was forecast, putting a strain on availability
• Mexican supplies are plentiful and being used to supplement Arizona/California desert broccoli programs
• Demand is expected to stay strong through the holiday loading window, pending any COVID disruption

Grapes

• Packer label green seedless grapes are expected to begin shipping week of December 14, 2020
• Packer label red seedless grapes will enter the market the week of January 4, 2021, followed by Markon Essentials Red Seedless Grapes in the first week of February
• Packer label Lunch Bunch Grapes will begin shipping January 10, 2020; Markon First Crop (MFC) Lunch Bunch Grapes will become available the first week of February

Green Leaf, Iceberg, Romaine

• Demand is slowly increasing as the holiday pull begins; however, markets continue to decrease due to an abundance of product
• Quality is very good:
  • Sporadic growth crack and large ribs are present in some lots
  • Epidermal blistering and frost damage are being observed at higher rates following multiple days of lettuce ice over the last two weeks
  • Low temperatures with light-to-moderate lettuce ice are forecast for Friday, December 11 through Monday, December 14
  • Expect weak prices through the end of December
• Please note, COVID restrictions may greatly affect demand as foodservice establishments are forced to reduce operations

Stawberries
Santa Maria

• MFC Strawberries are available
• The season is winding down
• Quality is good, but cold mornings/evenings are delaying the coloring process
• The market is two-tiered; growers are making deals on older/sub-par fruit to keep coolers clear
• Cold-chain management remains a vital component in maximizing shelf-life

Oxnard

• The winter crop is just getting started; early season supplies are tight
• Volume is expected to increase over the next 10 to 14 days

Mexico

• Markon Best Available Strawberries are available
• There is a slight chance of rain over the next five days that could affect production
• Quality is good

Florida

• Supplies remain limited as fields are experiencing cold, wet mornings
• Quality is good

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.
                                                                      
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