News and Stories

Bell Peppers

• Growers are transitioning into the final stages of winter production in Sinaloa, Mexico and Southern Florida
• Supplies are tightening; inconsistent weather in both regions has slowed production as new crops ramp up
• Extra-large and large peppers will be especially limited over the next week as crews break into new fields
• Expect prices to climb over the next 10 days, then return to normal levels

Broccoli

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Broccoli Crowns are available to load in South Texas and Yuma, Arizona; Markon Best Available is being substituted when needed
• The seasons in the Arizona/California desert and Northern Mexico are wrapping up
• Florida will have ample supplies from now until growers transition to Georgia in early May
• The market is easing as Salinas Valley, Santa Maria, and Central Mexico shipments increase

Cauliflower

• Markon Essentials (ESS) Cauliflower remains available for loading in Yuma, Arizona
• The Arizona/California desert season is winding down and expected to end soon
• Supplies out of the Salinas Valley and Santa Maria, California are increasing
• Prices are inching down

Celery

• Growing seasons are wrapping up in Yuma, Arizona and Mexico
• Heavy rains during the month of February continue to disrupt planting schedules, reducing volume and increasing prices
• Quality issues such as bottom rot, growth cracking, and decay may be present
• Expect elevated prices through spring

Freezing Temperatures in the Southeast

• Cold temperatures in Southern Georgia and Northern Florida have dipped into the upper 20s/low 30s over the past several days
• The early growth of spring crops will be affected in Southern Georgia; damage to crops such as bell peppers and squash will lower future yields, but it is too early to determine the extent
• Harvesting in Northern Florida and Southern Georgia will begin in late April/early May
• Temperatures in Southern Florida fell into the low 40s; production slowed, but no problems are expected

Lemons

• MFC and ESS Lemons are sporadic; packer label is being substituted as needed
• Heavy February rain in California’s primary growing regions has increased growth and fruit size, limiting small lemons
• Supplies of 140-count and smaller sizes (all grades) are extremely tight
• Expect prices to continue climbing through summer, until offshore and Mexican supplies hit the U.S. market in August

Onions

• MFC Red, White, and Yellow Onions are readily available in the Northwest
• Texas-grown MFC Red, White, and Yellow Onions will be on the market next week
  • Size profile will be small at the start of the season
  • Medium and jumbo sizes will be most plentiful
• MFC Red, White, and Yellow Onions will become available in California the first week of May
• MFC Red, White, and Yellow Onions are forecast to hit the market in late May

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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