News and Stories

Although some commodity prices are easing due to slow post-holiday demand and increased supplies, celery and iceberg remain extremely limited. Freezing temperatures in the Arizona/California growing region over the past five days have slowed plant maturity and reduced harvesting times. Temperatures are forecast to increase later this week, allowing for full production, but the extended forecast predicts cooler weather that will once again slow growth and hinder harvests. Expect volatile markets for the next several weeks.  

Celery

• Prices remain elevated; supplies are tight even though California growers are harvesting in Coachella, Oxnard, Salinas, and Santa Maria; cold weather has slowed maturity 
• Large sizes are very limited, especially 24-count celery; 36-count and smaller sizes are more plentiful
• Florida growers will begin harvesting by mid-December, weakening demand for West Coast supplies
• Expect high prices for the month of December
  

Green Leaf/Romaine

• Green leaf and romaine prices are easing slightly (into the low 20s)
• Growers are harvesting in Coachella, Oxnard, Santa Maria, and Yuma, creating more industry supplies 
• This week’s low temperatures in Yuma will cause freeze-related quality issues by next week
• Warmer weather is anticipated later this week and into next week
• Expect volatile markets over the next several weeks 
• Markon First Crop (MFC) Premium Green Leaf and Romaine are sporadic; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted due to light carton weights

Iceberg

• Low yields and tight supplies are keeping prices high
• Processor and carton demand is strong
• This week’s freezing temperatures have slowed growth and delayed harvests
• Head size remains small; carton weights are in the high 30s/low 40s
• Freeze-related issues will further reduce yields and weights
• Expect volatile markets over the next several weeks
• MFC Premium Iceberg is not available; MBA is being substituted due to low carton weights
  

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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