News and Stories

Above-normal temperatures and rain showers in the San Joaquin Valley have further limited bell pepper supplies; high prices will persist. Warm temperatures in the Salinas and Santa Maria, California growing regions could increase quality issues, reduce yields, and potentially elevate prices; expect possible bleeding, bronzing, bruising, and soft texture in strawberries. New crop packer label Norkotah potatoes will begin shipping in early to mid-August; prices will ease over the next six weeks as supplies increase.

Bell Peppers

• Above-normal temperatures and rain in the San Joaquin Valley reduced green, red, and yellow bell pepper harvesting, further diminishing already limited supplies
• High temperatures resulted in compromised quality including dark spotting, discoloration, and softness
• Prices will be elevated for several weeks

California Strawberries

• Available stocks are abundant and will meet Fourth of July demand, however this week’s high temperatures will diminish quality and shorten shelf-life
• Prices are steady
• Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are limited; Markon Best Available is being substituted as needed
• Expect a possible decrease in size, darker color, and softer texture which may lead to bleeding and bruising

Idaho Potatoes

• Although the crop remains dominated by small potatoes (70- to 100-count supplies), large sizes (40- through 60-count) are increasing
• Prices for 40- to 60-count cartons are expected to ease due to weak demand, while the market for 80- to 100-count stocks will remain stable
• MFC Idaho Burbank Potatoes will be on the market through early August; new crop MFC Norkotah Potatoes will become available in late August/early September
• Expect prices to gradually ease over the next six weeks as the industry transitions from storage to new crop stocks due to ample supply levels

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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