News and Stories

Apples

• 2016-2017 volume will be approximately 10 percent higher than the 2015-2016 season; 130 million bushels are forecast to be shipped this season versus 116 million in 2015-2016
• Weather was ideal for growth during the new crop pollination and cell division stages
• A larger size profile is projected for the 2016-2017 season; supplies will be dominated by 80- through 100-count sizes
• FOB prices for large sizes will be low due to the abundance of this fruit; small sizes (113- through 138-count apples) will be sold at higher FOB levels 

Asparagus

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Asparagus is available
• Holiday demand for asparagus will start soon; Thanksgiving Day in Canada is October 10 and will be followed by the U.S. holiday in November
• Limited production from Baja, Mexico coupled with strong demand will push up the market
• Once prices climb, the market will remain elevated through the rest of the year
• Quality is very good: tips are tight and color is deep green

Bell Peppers

• Growing regions in Eastern Canada, Michigan, and Ohio are winding down; demand is shifting to the West Coast
• California supplies are adequate, but increased demand will push up prices through early October
• MFC and Markon Essentials (ESS) Green Bell Peppers are available in California and Tennessee
• MFC Red Bell Peppers are sporadic; ESS Red Bell Peppers are available in California

Broccoli

• Prices continue to climb due to strong demand and tight supplies
• Stocks in Canada, the Northeast, and Mexico are winding down; supplies are limited in Salinas and Santa Maria, California
• Growers are reporting hollow core, pin rot, and wind damage
• Finished pack quality is being monitored closely at the field level
• Stocks will increase in Central Mexico over the next few weeks, but strong demand will keep prices high

California Strawberries

• MFC Strawberries are available in Salinas/Watsonville and Santa Maria, California
• Quality is excellent due to favorable weather patterns and cooler-than-normal weather
• Prices are expected to remain weak through late September
• Markon will begin transitioning south to Santa Maria for new crop fruit in late September/early October, pending quality

Cauliflower

• Prices are expected to climb due to reduced yields and strong demand
• Shorter days and cooler nights are reducing volume
• Bruising and discoloration are slight issues, but overall quality is good
• ESS Cauliflower is sporadic; packer label cartons will be substituted as needed

Cilantro

• Weather conditions have improved in the fields of Oxnard and Salinas; seeder issues are diminishing
• Excessive heat continues to cause burn problems in stocks grown in Baja, Mexico
• California supplies are sufficient enough to meet current demand
• The market fell below first-level triggers for all RSS Cilantro items effective September 14

Tropical Storm Julia

• Tropical Storm Julia formed late Tuesday night, crossing into southeast Georgia; Julia has since been downgraded to a tropical depression
• As of Thursday, the storm is approximately 100 miles southeast off the coast of South Carolina
• Heavy rain is no longer a threat, however winds of 20-30 miles per hour are forecast
• Expect prices to remain elevated over the next 10 days as growers assess the storm’s impact

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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