News and Stories

UPDATE SUMMARY: WEEK OF JANUARAY 11, 2021

Broccoli and Cauliflower

• Improved Arizona growing conditions have increased size; quality is very good
• Mexican broccoli is available in South Texas, while Mexican cauliflower is shipping into Southern Arizona
• Markets are expected to maintain lower levels through January

Celery

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Celery is available
• Supplies are below normal levels in Coachella, Oxnard, and Santa Maria, California due to persistently low temperatures
• The Florida season was delayed two to three weeks due to inclement weather; supplies are increasing but remain limited due to the small size profile
• Industry supplies are currently dominated by 36-count stalks; growers must cut into younger fields to keep pace with demand
• Overall quality is excellent in all growing regions: stalks are firm with deep color  
• Markets are expected to remain active through January

Limes

• The market is escalating, but will level out over the next few weeks
• Mexican supplies are tight
  • Rain delayed production last weekend; a slight chance of rain is forecast for this week
  • Crossings into South Texas are down
• Quality is good: small sizes (175-, 200-, and 230-count fruit) have a higher percentage of blanching
• Demand is strong; expect elevated markets for the next several weeks

Oranges

• MFC and Markon Essentials Oranges are available
• Small sizes (113- and 138-count) are diminishing as the crop matures, but remain plentiful enough to fill all orders
• Quality and taste are exceptional
• Florida orange stocks will be available through May; small sizes (125- and 100- count fruit) are the most abundant   
• Mexican supplies (loading in South Texas) will be available until July/August; 88-count fruit dominates this crop

Pears

• Washington and Oregon pear quality is excellent    
  • U.S. No. 1 grade supplies are ample; fewer fancy grade supplies are on the market
  • Size is dominated by 80- through 100- count fruit; small sizes (120- and 135- count pears) are limited

Red and Yellow Potatoes

• The Florida season will begin in mid-February and will ship through mid-July; Florida MFC Red and Yellow Potatoes will available the week of March 1
• The Wisconsin season will run through early February
• North Dakota supplies are forecast to remain available through June
• Idaho and Washington red and yellow potatoes will be on the market through July  

Squash

• Volume is falling in Mexico’s Sonora and Sinaloa regions
  • The Sonora season is winding down
  • Sinaloa production has been slowed by cold weather
• Florida stocks are below normal levels at this time of year; low temperatures have further tightened supplies
• Expect active markets through late January

Strawberries
Mexico

• Supplies continue to be affected by low temperatures; forecasts call for evening and morning weather in the 30F to 40F degree range
• Berry size ranges from 20-24 pieces per 1-pound clamshell, which is typical for this time of the year
• Fruit is available for loading in South Texas as well as Oxnard and Los Angeles, California

 
Florida

• Stocks remain limited as fields continue to experience cold weather
• Harvesting delays are possible as scattered showers are in the forecast this week
• Typical for this time of the year, size ranges from 20-24 pieces per 1-pound clamshell

Oxnard

• Forecasts call for a brief warming trend over the next 6-7 days with daytime temperatures expected in the low 70s
• Cold weather will return by the middle of next week
• Supplies will remain tight
• Berry size has increased slightly, averaging 18-20 pieces per 1-pound clamshell, which is normal for this time of the year

Tomatoes

• Florida round, grape, and cherry tomato stocks remain limited
  • Last month’s rain and recent cold weather have hindered growth and reduced yields
  • Large round tomatoes (4x4 and 4x5 sizes) are beginning to increase
  • Significant volume is not expected until late January
• Mexican vine ripe supplies are becoming more plentiful; grape and cherry tomato stocks remain tight
  • Vine ripe tomato crossings (into Nogales, Arizona and South Texas) are increasing  
  • Expect a steady rise in volume over the next two weeks
  • Roma production has accelerated; prices will continue to ease as supplies become more plentiful

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.
                                                                      
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