News and Stories

Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Best Available (MBA) Navel Oranges are sporadic; packer label is being substituted as needed. Warmer temperatures and light amounts of rain in the San Joaquin Valley growing region during the winter months have increased maturity of the crop. Sizes are dominated by 88-count and larger oranges; 138-count and smaller fruit is extremely limited. As the Navel season winds down and temperatures continue to rise, quality will become a challenge; softer fruit and puffiness will be issues. The domestic harvest of new crop California Valencia supplies is expected to begin the week of April 6. Prices will continue to climb due to diminishing Navel supplies and the transition into new crop Valencia fruit.

California

• Late-variety Navel stocks will be on the market through May
• MFC and MBA Navel Oranges are sporadic; packer label is being substituted as needed
• Flavor is sweet; sugar levels range from 13 to 15 Brix
• 138-count and smaller sizes are limited
• Softness is becoming a more prevalent issue
• The market is rising
• New crop California Valencia quality is good
• Flavor will be tart; sugar levels range from 11 to 12 Brix
• The crop is dominated by 88-count and larger fruit
• MFC Valencia Oranges are expected on the domestic market the week of April 20
• Prices will be slightly higher than the Navel market as the season starts

Texas

• The Valencia season is winding down  
• Supplies will be on the market through mid-April
• Prices are stable at high levels
• 113-count and smaller sizes are limited
• Mexican Valencias are available for loading in South Texas
• Stocks are inconsistent due to fumigation and USDA inspections
• The crop is dominated by 88-count and larger fruit
• 113-count and smaller sizes are tight
• Prices are higher than those for Texas fruit
• The season will run through June
• Prominent wind scarring is a cosmetic problem

Florida

• The Florida Valencia fresh season will start to wind down over the next few weeks 
• Limited quantities of storage fruit will be available through May
• Small sizes (125-count and smaller oranges) are tightening
• Demand for these sizes is shifting to the West Coast
• Quality is good
• The market is steady at high levels

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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