News and Stories

Broccoli and Cauliflower

• Growers are seeing better yields as fields mature in the Arizona and California desert regions
• Weak demand following Thanksgiving as well as COVID uncertainty has eased prices
• This week’s cold desert weather will slow growth, but limited demand is expected to keep markets down
• Broccoli crossings from Mexico are strong; these supplies are being used to supplement Arizona and California desert broccoli programs
• Expect lower markets for the weeks before holiday demand starts again (pending any COVID disruptions)

Brussels Sprouts

• Harvesting is focused in the Salinas and Santa Maria Valleys; will begin next week production in Mexico and continue to ramp up into January
• Quality is very good: discoloration and wilting are minimal
• As overall supplies increase, holiday demand is expected to climb alongside, keeping markets fairly steady over the next two to three weeks

Grapes

• Packer label green seedless grapes will start shipping the third week of December
• Markon First Crop (MFC) Lunch Bunch Grapes and Markon Essentials (ESS) Red Seedless Grapes will enter the market the first week of February
• ESS Green Seedless Grapes will become available in early February

Green Leaf, Iceberg, Romaine

• Low temperatures are limiting harvesting hours as crews must wait one to three hours for crops to sufficiently thaw
• Current quality is excellent:
  • Sporadic growth crack and large ribs are present in some lots
  • Dehydration, epidermal blister, and frost damage may be observed in the coming weeks due to multiple days of lettuce ice
• Despite reduced harvesting availability, prices are falling due to weak demand and ample supplies
• Expect low prices over the next two weeks; markets are anticipated to inch up as the holiday pull begins in mid-December
• Please note, COVID restrictions may greatly affect demand as foodservice establishments are forced to reduce operations

Idaho Potatoes

• MFC Norkotah Potatoes are the primary variety    
• MFC Burbank supplies have increased
• Small sizes dominate the crop; suppliers are packing from lots geared toward holiday retail demand
• Steady prices are expected through New Year’s Day, as uncertain foodservice demand will offset the retail push
• White Russet stocks are also on the market
• Extremely low temperatures are forecast in Eastern Idaho this week; the cold weather may affect how much volume is packed and delay loading times

Onions

• Quality is excellent: supplies are solid with globe-like shape, set skins, and firm texture
• Packer label onions are also being shipped out of Colorado  
• With uncertain foodservice and strong retail demand, steady markets are expected through the holidays

Strawberries
Santa Maria

• MFC Strawberries are available
• Quality is improving: minor challenges include bruising and softness
• Deals are being cut on older/sub-par fruit to clean out coolers
• Cold-chain management remains a vital component in maximizing shelf-life

Mexico

• Markon Best Available Strawberries are available
• The season is ramping up
• Quality is good

Florida

• Supplies remain tight
• Volume will begin to pick up over the next 7-14 days
• Early season quality is good

Tomatoes

• Florida volume is low due to Tropical Storm Eta
• The crop is dominated by small sizes; large sizes are tight
• Central Florida production is winding down, while harvesting in Southern Florida is slowly getting underway
• Overall yields are below normal
• Mexican supplies remain limited; increased volume is not expected until mid-December when new crop harvesting starts

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.
                                                                      
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