News and Stories

UPDATE SUMMARY: WEEK OF JANUARY 27, 2020

January 30, 2020
Bell Peppers
  • Temperatures have returned to normal in Mexico, increasing yields into the U.S.
  • Expect ample green bell supplies and fairly steady markets for the next several weeks
  • Red bell pepper supplies will continue to increase over the next few weeks, easing markets 
Brussels Sprouts
  • The market has peaked; prices will gradually inch down through next week
  • Expect value-added triggers to be removed by early next week
Desert Row Crops
  • Broccoli, cauliflower, celery, green leaf, iceberg, and romaine are plentiful
  • Warmer weather, longer days, and minimal ice are increasing maturity and increasing supplies 
  • Growers were several weeks behind schedule due to cold temperatures in December and early January; however, recent warmer weather will increase volume
  • Lettuce and leaf harvests in Florida and Texas are increasing supplies to the overall market
  • Ideal temperatures (high 60s to low 70s) in the Arizona/California desert region are expected through February; therefore, markets should remain low over the next few weeks 
Potatoes
  • Availability of 40- to 70-count cartons will decrease even more as Burbanks become the primary variety packed in early March
  • 80- through 100-count cartons are more readily available due to the longer run times required to pack large-count sizes
  • Washington’s Norkotah market is elevated
    • Demand is shifting from Idaho to Washington to source large potatoes
    • Prices for 40- to 100-count cartons are similar to those for Idaho Norkotahs
  • Expect both the Idaho and Washington potato markets to continue increasing through the rest of the season 
Tender Leaf Items
  • The Arizona/California desert growing region has experienced a cycle of freezing temperatures and sporadic rain, causing quality and shelf-life challenges 
  • Items such as arugula, spinach, and other spring mix varieties are exhibiting varying amounts of mildew, discoloration, mechanical damage, and reduced shelf-life
Tomatoes
  • Large sizes remain fairly limited in Florida, despite lower markets; supplies are expected to increase by mid-February
  • Mexican stocks are ramping up; prices for all sizes are much lower 
  • Volume will rise over the next two to three weeks
Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.
 
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