News and Stories

Prices are escalating on the West Coast as many commodity harvests are winding down in the Salinas Valley, before transitioning to the Huron, California growing region and then finally to Yuma, Arizona/California desert. Many growers are harvesting 10 to 14 days before scheduled production due to abnormally warm temperatures that accelerated growth; a supply gap is expected between growing seasons.  

Broccoli and Cauliflower

• Broccoli crown prices are rising into the high teens/low twenties
• The cauliflower market is reaching the mid- to high twenties
• Quality issues are reducing yields
• High temperatures are stunting growth
• Brown/yellow bead is diminishing broccoli volume
• Expect strong prices for the next 7 to 10 days 

Celery

• Prices are climbing into the high teens this week and low twenties by next week
• The rising market will slow demand to ensure there is enough product on the market for Thanksgiving orders
• Supplies are tight; production has been forced ahead of schedule
• Strong Thanksgiving demand will begin in early November
• Oxnard growers will begin harvesting in early November; the Salinas season will conclude in late November
• Expect elevated markets for the next three weeks

Iceberg

• Supplies are tightening; the season is ending
• Prices are rising into the mid- to high teens
• Some growers are transitioning to Huron next week
• More growers will make the move in late October
• Yuma harvests will begin as early as the first week of November
• Most growers are ahead of schedule in Salinas; high temperatures have the potential to cause a gap between growing areas
• Expect high prices for the next three to four weeks 

Green Leaf/Romaine

• Prices are rising; stocks are tightening
• West Coast demand is strong: Midwest and East Coast regional harvests have ended for the season
• Romaine prices are rising to the high teens; the green leaf market is expected to climb into the low teens next week
• Fog burn, fringe burn, and seeder are quality problems
• Expect elevated prices for the next three to four weeks 

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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