News and Stories

California Oranges

• This summer’s crop is 25-35% below last year’s levels and one of the smallest on record; prices will be higher than normal
• Offshore oranges from Australia, Chile, South Africa, and Uruguay will be necessary to meet summer and fall demand
• Current size structure is favoring small fruit; larger sizes (56- and 72-count fruit) are extremely tight
• Overall quality is good, but re-greening is a common, cosmetic-only issue during the summer months

Celery

• Production has transitioned to the Salinas Valley
• Stocks have increased
• Value-added triggers have been removed; pricing is back to normal levels

Cilantro

• Ready-Set-Serve Washed & Trimmed Cilantro is sporadic due to quality; packer label will be substituted as needed
• Although supplies are plentiful in California and Mexico, issues such as decay and yellowing are expected in some lots
• Superior quality is expected to return by the end of next week
• Prices should remain steady

Melons

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melons will be sporadic over the next three weeks
• Fewer acres were planted in Bakersfield and Huron, California due to increased water costs; expect limited stocks as growers transition to the Westside district
• California’s Westside season is on track to start by July 4
• Prices will rise as growers make the move to California’s San Joaquin Valley region

Salinas, California Weather Outlook

• Unseasonably warm weather is expected in the Central California growing regions beginning Friday, June 16 and lasting through next week
• Higher temperatures will promote crop growth, but can also create heat-related quality challenges and shelf-life issues in lettuces, leafy greens, and strawberries  
• MFC Premium Green Leaf, Iceberg, Romaine, and Strawberries are sporadic; Markon Best Available will be substituted as needed
• Supplies are ample and prices are low

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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