UPDATE SUMMARY: Week of September 19, 2016

Avocados

Industry volume remains low due to tight supplies in Mexico, the end of California’s season, and very few imports from Chile and Peru
Demand continues to exceed supply; all sizes are limited
Growers are shipping greener-than-normal avocados due to strong demand and a shortage of ripe fruit
Prices will be higher next week and continue to climb through early to mid-October when Mexico’s fall crop begins

Blackberries

The Mexican season has begun; product is available for loading in South Texas with a few stocks being transferred to the East and West Coasts
Expect elevated markets until Mexican production is in full swing

Blueberries

Seasons in Michigan and the Pacific Northwest are winding down; quality issues such as decay, shriveling, and softness are common this time of year
The South American import season is underway; availability is currently limited, but will increase by mid-October as Chilean and Peruvian stocks become more plentiful
Limited quantities of Mexican blueberries have begun crossing into the U.S.

Broccoli

Markon First Crop (MFC) Broccoli Crowns are sporadic; Markon Best Available will be substituted as necessary
Supplies are available in California and Mexico (into South Texas)
Fields are displaying sporadic quality issues such as brown bead, hollow core, and yellowing
The market has stabilized; stocks are adequate in both growing regions

California Strawberries

MFC Strawberries are available in Salinas/Watsonville and Santa Maria
Quality is good in both growing regions, but expected to decrease due to elevated temperatures

Berries will ripen quicker, contributing to bleeding on arrival, smaller size, and softer texture
Markon recommends ordering for quick turns

A shorter-than-normal shelf-life is projected as the Salinas/Watsonville growing season winds down; Markon is closely monitoring quality between both areas to determine when to move orders south to Santa Maria
Prices are low; supplies are sufficient in both regions

Cauliflower

Markon Essentials Cauliflower is available
Regional harvests are wrapping up, causing demand to shift west to California
Quality is very good; fields are producing ample-size heads with snowy white color
The market will rise this week; demand exceeds supply

Grapefruit

The California Summer Marsh Ruby grapefruit season ended prematurely; harvesting began earlier than normal and demand was strong throughout the season
An industry-wide red grapefruit supply gap is expected until new crop Texas production starts in early October
Florida supplies will be harvested in mid-October followed by California Rio Red stocks in December

Idaho Potatoes

Fresh-run MFC Norkotahs are available
Limited stocks of fresh-run, packer label Burbanks will be on the market next week; the bulk of new crop Burbanks will be placed into storage
Burbank potatoes that have gone through the sweat will be available for shipment the first week of November
After going through the sweat process, new crop White Russets will hit on the market in late October

Raspberries

California is the primary growing region this time of year; volume is low and will decrease further by mid- to late October
Limited quantities of Mexican raspberries have begun crossing into the U.S.; early season stocks are limited
Prices are comparable in both regions; expect the market to remain elevated until Mexican stocks increase

Tropical Storm Paine

Tropical Storm Paine was downgraded from hurricane status early Tuesday morning, September 20, and continues to weaken
Harvesting delays were minimal on Tuesday in Baja, Mexico; crews were able to resume harvests that afternoon
Items currently grown in this area (more specifically, Ensenada) include cilantro, green onions, kale, and parsley
Supply shortages did not occur as a result of the delay; stocks are also grown in other Baja locations, as well as California

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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