News and Stories

Prices are finely easing following six to seven weeks of strong demand. 

Current weather forecasts call for trace amounts of rain over the next few days in the Arizona/California desert region. Cold temperatures are expected to return next week, causing more ice delays and reducing production, but weak demand will keep most prices steady to slightly weaker. 

Broccoli

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Broccoli Crowns are sporadic; packer label will be substituted as needed 
• Weak demand is easing prices even though overall supplies are tight
• Quality is improving, but decay, knuckly crowns, and mildew are sporadic issues reducing yields in some areas
• Mexican supplies (into South Texas) remain adequate
• Expect steady to lower prices through next week
• Prices for Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Broccoli Florets are back to normal
  

Cauliflower

• Markon Essentials Cauliflower is sporadic; packer label will be substituted as needed
• Supplies remain limited, but are slowly increasing
• Prices are in the high $40.00 range 
• Next week’s predicted cold weather will keep supplies limited 
• Stocks are expected to reach abundant levels by mid-January
• RSS Cauliflower Florets remain at triggered price levels

Celery

• The market is elevated; supplies are tight
• FOB prices for naked celery cartons remain in the mid- to high 40s 
• Large sizes are extremely limited, especially 24-count celery; 36-count and smaller sizes are more plentiful
• Prices are forecast to ease slightly next week; demand is weakening
• More industry supplies will be available by mid-January when growers in Yuma, Arizona begin harvesting
• RSS Celery remains at triggered price levels
  

Green Leaf/Romaine

• Green leaf and romaine prices are steady to slightly lower due to weakening demand  
• Growers are harvesting in Coachella, Oxnard, Imperial Valley, and Yuma, creating more industry volume 
• Despite adequate stocks, freeze-related issues such as epidermal blistering and peeling will cause more damage over the next several weeks
• MFC Premium Green Leaf and Romaine are sporadic; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted due to light carton weights and freeze-related defects
• More cold weather is expected to slow growth, reduce production, and increase freeze-related defects next week 
• Expect limited supplies despite weak demand

Iceberg

• MFC Premium Iceberg is not available; MBA is being substituted due to low carton weights
• The market is easing this week due to weaker demand; FOB prices are falling into the low twenties
• Expect first-tier RSS iceberg salad triggers to be removed in the coming days 
• More freezing temperatures are expected next week, reducing harvesting and limiting industry stocks
• Freeze-related issues will lower yields and carton weights; harvesting crews will remove outer damaged leaves
• Expect steady to slightly lower prices next week due to weak demand 
  

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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