News and Stories

Broccoli and Cauliflower

• Supplies have not fully recovered from heat-related damage in August and September
• Demand has risen as more states open up business due to COVID closures  
• Expect volatile markets through mid-November; supply will continue to decline as the end of the Salinas season nears

Iceberg

• Demand is increasing as green leaf and romaine stocks are extremely limited
• Additionally, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s romaine import regulations is shifting some demand to the iceberg market
• Volume continues to be impacted by the soil-borne diseases Sclerotinia and Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus, that are reducing harvestable heads at the field level
• Industry field weights and yields are inconsistent due to periods of erratic Salinas Valley weather sustained over the last two months
• Overall quality is good: puffy heads, seeder, and mildew pressure are present in some lots
• Expect limited supplies and active markets through late October     

Green Leaf and Romaine

• Demand remains very strong
• An initial surplus of romaine was anticipated following the Canadian Food Inspection Agency test and hold mandate; however, supplies have tightened, resulting in even higher markets
• Industry volume continues to be heavily impacted by the soilborne diseases Sclerotinia and Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus that are reducing harvestable heads at the field level
• Erratic weather over the past two months has resulted in inconsistent field weights and yields; fringe burn, mildew pressure, and seeder are present in some lots
• Supplies will remain tight until growing regions transition to the Arizona and California deserts in early to mid-November
• Expect elevated markets through October

Melons

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Cantaloupes will begin shipping from the desert the week of October 12; desert supplies of MFC Honeydew will be available the week of October 19
• Quality is good with adequate sugar levels
• Desert cantaloupes typically exhibit a greenish hue
• New crop melons will command higher prices, as supplies are not expected to meet demand
• New crop Mexican honeydews (crossing through Nogales, Arizona) will ramp up in late October
• Offshore melons will begin arriving in the U.S. in mid-November

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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