News and Stories

Cold temperatures and strong winds in the growing regions of Sonora, Mexico have slowed production and tightened yellow squash and zucchini supplies; elevated prices and tight stocks are expected through February. Many commodity supplies from the Arizona/California desert growing regions have increased; markets are lower. Industry celery supplies are becoming more plentiful; effective February 4, Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Celery items decreased to normal levels.

Cold Weather in Mexico

• Low temperatures have slowed production and tightened yellow squash and zucchini supplies
• Limited East Coast stocks continue to strengthen demand for Mexican products loading in Nogales, Arizona
• Strong winds will damage current blooms, causing possible shortages in early March
• Expect elevated prices and tight stocks for most of February, especially for squash

 Desert Outlook

• Arizona/California desert supplies are increasing; prices are easing
• Quality is improving due to ideal temperatures
• Expect adequate supplies and normal prices for the next four to six weeks

 Idaho Potatoes

• Carton and No. 2 prices will inch down in February, Idaho Potato Lover’s Month
• Most sheds will run full production for retail orders, generating more cartons and No. 2 supplies for foodservice
• Markon First Crop Burbank and Norkotah stocks are readily available
• Norkotah shipments are expected to continue through early April
• Burbank supplies will run through the end of July
• Expect steady to slightly higher prices starting in April through the end of the season

 RSS Celery

• Industry supplies continue to increase; ideal temperatures are promoting growth
• Expect the market to continue easing into next week

 Strawberries

• Markon Best Available Strawberries are extremely tight; packer label 8/1-pound packs are being substituted
• Supplies remain extremely limited for Valentine’s Day; demand exceeds supply in all areas
• Strong demand and limited stocks are keeping the market elevated
• Availability is not expected to return to normal until the weeks of February 15 or 22, pending weather

 Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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