News and Stories

Bell Peppers, Cucumbers, Squash:

• Cooler-than-normal temperatures in Southern Florida are slowing bell pepper, cucumber, and squash growth; supplies are limited
• East Coast cucumber production will wind down over the next two weeks, while offshore volume ramps up in Central American and Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula
• Mexican bell peppers and cucumbers are sufficient, but strong demand will push up markets
• Mexican-grown squash will transition south to Sinaloa over the next 10 days; stocks will be extremely tight over the next two weeks

Broccoli and Cauliflower:

• Low temperatures and recent rain are affecting broccoli and cauliflower volume
• Broccoli supplies will be limited through next week
• Stocks from Central Mexico will remain ample
• Quality is good, size is adequate, and color is deep green
• Prices are lowest into South Texas
• Cauliflower prices are inching down as stocks increase; quality issues include discoloration and ricey texture from recent rain

California Citrus:

• Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials (ESS) Lemons and Oranges are available; packer label may be substituted as needed
• Prices are inching up
• Rainfall in California’s Central Valley (also known as the San Joaquin Valley) slowed citrus harvesting earlier this week, causing muddy conditions, wet fruit, and further limiting supplies
• California is the primary growing region; quality is very good
• Stocks are extremely limited in Florida and Texas

Green Onions:

• Rain in the Baja region of Mexico over the past several weeks coupled with cooler-than-normal temperatures have lowered yields; supplies remain limited
• Volume is forecast to increase next week; prices should stabilize 

Limes:

• MFC Limes are available from Mexico (loading in McAllen, Texas)
• Lime prices will inch down slightly over the next week as shipments crossing from Mexico (into South Texas) increase to normal levels
• Current quality is good and will improve as more stocks become available; occasional skin breakdown and scarring are minor issues
• The market will remain at above-average levels for another two weeks while inventory ramps up

Onions:

• Several onion storage and production facilities on the Treasure Valley/Idaho/Oregon border suffered major damage due to the weight of snow collapsing the roofs of sheds
• Many growers are unable to produce onions at this time as they assess damage, remove snow, and begin repairs
• Cold weather can create translucent scales on outer layers, causing them to become soft and/or spongy
• Prices have increased; demand has shifted to other growing regions

Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Peeled Garlic Price Increase Reminder:

• Effective January 16, 2017 Markon’s supplier of RSS Peeled Garlic will be implementing a price change on the 1/5- and 4/5-pound whole-peeled garlic items due to increased labor and input costs
• Limited labor and increasing minimum wage levels are major contributors to supplier costs as the production of peeled garlic is a labor-intensive process
• The continuing California drought crisis has reduced available acreage

Strawberries:

• MFC Strawberries are not available; MBA and packer label are being substituted
• Rain-related quality issues are severe in California, forcing many suppliers to designate fruit for local markets or freezer/processors
• Stocks in Florida and Mexico are tightening due to California shortages and are expected to remain limited through the Valentine’s Day pull
• The overall market is rising and expected to remain elevated through Valentine’s Day (Tuesday, February 14)
• Markon recommends ordering out of Mexico (into South Texas) for best coverage and quality

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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