News and Stories

Prices for green leaf, iceberg, and romaine are easing this week due to slow post-holiday demand and increased supplies. Broccoli, cauliflower, and celery supplies remain extremely limited. Freezing temperatures in the Arizona/California growing region last week have slowed plant maturity, creating supply gaps. More cold weather is forecast for this weekend and next week; expect more supply and quality issues in most commodity items.   

Broccoli

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Broccoli Crowns are sporadic; packer label will be substituted as needed 
• Cold temperatures in the desert growing region and Mexico have tightened supplies
• West Coast prices remain elevated; the Mexican crown market (into South Texas) is also rising
• More freezing temperatures are expected next week in the desert growing region that will continue limiting stocks
• Demand has shifted to Mexican supplies (into South Texas) for the last several weeks
• Expect high prices through December

Cauliflower

• Markon Essentials Cauliflower is sporadic; packer label will be substituted as needed
• Supplies remain extremely limited; all sizes are tight
• Prices range from the high 40s to low 50s
• Next week’s cold weather will further lower volume
• Expect tight stocks and elevated markets for the next several weeks

Celery

• Prices will remain elevated through December
• Supplies are tight even though California growers are harvesting in Coachella, Oxnard, Salinas, and Santa Maria; cold weather has slowed maturity 
• Large sizes are extremely 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
• Prices continue to rise; FOBs will reach the low to mid-40s by next week
  

Green Leaf/Romaine

• Green leaf and romaine prices have eased slightly this week
• Growers are harvesting in Coachella, Oxnard, and Yuma, creating more industry supplies 
• This week’s higher temperatures have spurred growth but freezing temperatures next week will tighten supplies
• Frost-related issues such as epidermal blistering and peeling will increase 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 epidermal peeling

Iceberg

• MFC Premium Iceberg is not available; MBA is being substituted due to low carton weights
• Prices are easing this week due to weaker demand and higher yields, but the market is expected to firm up next week when cooler weather hits
• Freezing temperatures will reduce harvesting and production, limiting industry stocks
• Frost-related issues will lower yields and carton weights; growers need to remove outer damaged leaves
• Expect tightened supplies and elevated markets next week
  

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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