News and Stories

Asparagus:

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Asparagus availability is sporadic, but will increase after December 12
• Supplies from Baja, Mexico and Peru are tightening due to seasonal transitions
• Fewer supplies and increased holiday demand will elevate the market
• Expect higher prices starting next week that will continue into early January

Idaho Potatoes:

• Cold weather is forecast in Idaho which could affect potato production and delay loading times
• Temperature needs to be 18 degrees or warmer for five to seven hours of the day to haul potatoes from cellars to packing sheds
• The freezing weather can cause internal and external bruising, as well as black skins and flesh
• If low temperatures persist for more than a few days, packing hours will be reduced (for example, from eight to four hours)

Strawberries in Santa Maria, CA:

• MFC and Markon Best Available (MBA) Strawberries are currently not available; packer label 8/1-pound clamshells are temporarily being substituted due to recent rains 
• Expect the following quality issues with West Coast strawberry supplies over the next few days:
• Bruising/bleeding
• Decay
• Shortened shelf-life
• Soft texture
• Water damage
• Cold temperatures will keep yields low and berry size smaller than average as a result of the upcoming cold snap
• A limited supply of MBA Strawberries (loading in South Texas) is expected to be available sometime in early December

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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