News and Stories

Mixed Berries
Blueberries

• Production in the Pacific Northwest growing region is just beginning and will soon become the main growing region
• Recent high temperatures over the 100 degree mark are affecting volume and quality
  • Temperatures are expected to remain over 100 degrees for the next five to seven days
  • Up to 50% of the crop has been damaged which will tighten stocks and push up prices
  • High heat is causing over ripeness and soft skins
• Stocks are diminishing rapidly; markets will rise
• Weather relief is forecast by early August when the new crop Mexican season ramps up

Raspberries and Blackberries

• Mexico is currently the main growing region
  • Limited production is getting started in Salinas/Watsonville
  • Supplies will ramp up over the next two to three weeks
• Pricing is expected to remain steady
• Supplies are adequate

Onions
New Mexico

• Onions harvested before last week’s rain have been shipped; stocks have been depleted
• Rain has increased moisture levels in the onions currently being harvested
• These supplies will need extra time to dry   
• Onions shipped before being cured can develop black mold under the outer layers of skin
• The market is expected stabilize in the next 7 to 10 days

California

• Markon First Crop Red and Yellow Onions are available
• Demand is strong due to the Washington season ending and rain in New Mexico

Pears
Washington

• Quality is excellent  
• Stocks are dominated by 90- and 100-count sizes
• 110-count and smaller pears are limited

California

• Growers pack and sell by the count as opposed to the volume-fill method used in Washington
  • California suppliers ship 40-pound packs; Washington growers use 44-pound cartons
  • Due to this pack difference, California ships approximately 6 to 10 fewer pieces of fruit per unit compared to Washington
  • The attached photos show Washington and California pear packs

Salinas Valley Heat Spike

• More high temperatures are in store for California’s Salinas Valley today through Sunday, July 11
• Coastal temperatures will remain at seasonal norms, but inland areas will experience highs in the upper 80°s to over 100° before gradually cooling down next week
• Markon inspectors are monitoring quality and supply closely for any impact from the hot, humid conditions such as spikes in mildew pressure or heat stress in baby leaf, broccoli, cauliflower, and some lettuce items that are currently growing in the warmer areas

Stone Fruit
Apricots

• Supplies will be available in the Central Valley for a few more weeks
• Size is dominated by 72-count and larger fruit; small sizes are limited
• Quality is very good: sugar levels are at their peak, ranging from 12 and 16 Brix

Peaches/Nectarines

• Peaches are dominated by 54- and 56-count sizes
• Nectarines are peaking on 60-count fruit
• Size will increase as growers move into the second half of the season
• Production will run into mid-September
• Georgia peaches are also available and will be on the market through August
• Quality is very good: sugar levels range from 10 to 11 Brix

Plums

• The season will run into October
• Current sugar levels are high at 14 Brix
• The crop is dominated by 60- and 65-count fruit
• Quality is very good: sugar levels range from 12 to 14 Brix

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.
 
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