News and Stories

Broccoli and cauliflower supplies out of the Arizona desert and Northern Mexico growing regions are diminishing; new crop Salinas Valley harvesting is slowly increasing. These markets have peaked and are expected to ease next week. Cool temperatures and rain received in August have hindered Idaho Burbank and Norkotah potato growth, preventing stocks from reaching full size potential; large sizes are limited. Mexico’s spring lime harvest has started, but initial volume is low; prices are elevated. Strong holiday demand is keeping cantaloupe and honeydew prices high; the watermelon market is rising due to tight supplies.

Broccoli/Cauliflower

• Supplies are tight; the market has peaked
• Harvesting in the Arizona desert region and Northern Mexico is winding down
• Salinas production is limited, but supplies are slowly increasing
• Occasional bracketing and knuckling is being reported in broccoli crowns; creamy color and rice texture are occasional issues in cauliflower supplies
• Expect more plentiful stocks and lower prices next week

Idaho Potatoes

• Large Idaho Burbank and Norkotah potatoes (40- through 70-count supplies) continue to be limited; small sizes (80- through 100-count potatoes) dominate storage stocks
• Prices for all sizes are projected to remain relatively steady with slight fluctuations through the month of May
• No major quality concerns have been reported, however as the potatoes continue to sit in storage sheds, some defects may become evident; pressure and/or shoulder bruising (soft, external indents) are the results of pressure at points of contact with adjacent potatoes or the floor
• Prices for large sizes will increase during the last few months of the storage crop season (June and July) due to the anticipated supply shortage

Limes

• Mexico’s spring harvesting has started, but initial volume is low; rain has hindered production
• Prices are elevated
• Quality concerns from recent wet conditions have resulted in some stem decay and yellowing; growers are repacking fruit for best quality
• The market will remain high for the next two to three weeks

Melons

• Offshore cantaloupe and honeydew stocks have increased; Mexican and offshore watermelon production is extremely limited
• Cantaloupe and honeydew prices remain elevated due to strong holiday demand; the watermelon market is rising due to tight supplies
• Honeydew and cantaloupe quality is very good; watermelon quality is good with sugar levels ranging from 10 to 12 Brix
• Prices will remain high for the next two weeks

Onions

• Cold, wet weather in Tampico, Mexico have prevented a consistent supply of new crop Mexican onions (into South Texas)
• Markon First Crop (MFC) Onions are available, but prices are rising
• The market should stabilize in mid-April when new crop harvesting starts in Texas

Transition From Yuma, Arizona to Huron and Salinas Valley, California

• Light harvesting has begun in Huron and Salinas
• MFC Premium Green Leaf, Iceberg, and Romaine are available in Huron and Yuma
• Limited quantities of MFC Premium Iceberg will be harvested in Salinas the week of March 30 and April 6
• Some value-added processors will transition to Salinas on Monday, March 30
• Taylor Farms will transition to Salinas on Monday, April 13

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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