News and Stories

Green leaf, iceberg, and romaine prices are rising; this week’s wet conditions in the desert growing region are limiting production and diminishing supplies. Frost-related defects are reducing yields and driving up raw-product processor demand. 

Weather will be a factor for the rest of the week. Approximately .20” of rain fell in the desert regions last night, causing muddy conditions and slowing this morning’s harvest. Another .50” of rain is expected Thursday, January 7; this storm will further impact harvesting conditions, supply levels, and quality. Freezing temperatures are expected to return to the area by Saturday, January 9 and persist through Monday, January 11, prolonging current defects, slowing plant growth, and limiting stocks.    

Broccoli

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Broccoli Crowns are sporadic; packer label will be substituted as needed 
• Domestic supplies are adequate, but wet weather is limiting production
• Although quality is good, rain will cause some pin rot and decay issues in the field
• Mexican supplies (into South Texas) are sufficient
• Expect steady to slightly lower prices through next week
  

Cauliflower

• Markon Essentials Cauliflower is sporadic; packer label will be substituted as needed
• Supplies are increasing despite rain in the desert
• Prices are easing into the high 20s/low 30s
• The most competitive prices are in Santa Maria, California 
• Expect prices to ease through next week

Celery

• The market remains elevated
• FOB prices for naked celery cartons are in the high 30s/low 40s
• Large sizes are limited, especially 24-count celery; 36-count and smaller sizes are more plentiful
• Limited quantities are now being harvested in the Yuma, Arizona desert growing region 
• Expect elevated prices into next week
• Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Celery remains at triggered price levels
  

Green Leaf/Romaine

• Green leaf and romaine prices are higher; wet weather is impacting production
• Rain is compounding freeze-related quality issues
• Epidermal blistering and peeling will persist for the next several weeks
• Prices are rising into the high teens/low 20s this week
• MFC Premium Green Leaf and Romaine are sporadic; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted due to light carton weights and freeze-related defects

Iceberg

• MFC Premium Iceberg is not available; MBA is being substituted due to low carton weights
• The market is rising; prices are climbing into the high 20s/low 30s 
• Second-tier RSS trigger levels may be met by early next week
• Harvesting is being delayed by rain; wet weather is also affecting quality 
• Premature pinking and reduced shelf-life may become issues
• Expect elevated prices into next week
  

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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