News and Stories

Asparagus

• Volume in Caborca, Mexico is slowly increasing and will reach normal production levels in late January
• Temperatures are in the high 70s today, and forecast to reach the mid-80s next week, promoting rapid growth
• Peruvian asparagus (into Florida) is supplementing industry deficits; however, the season is winding down
• Expect elevated prices through mid- to late January until production in Caborca, Mexico is in full swing

Bell Peppers
Green Bells

• Florida volume is below normal levels
• Mexican supplies are ample
  • Quality is very good
  • All sizes are available
• Expect stable markets for the next several weeks

Red Bells

• Mexico is the primary growing region (into Nogales, Arizona); growth is being hindered by consistently cold weather
• Stocks are extremely tight in Florida
• Prices are high; expect more plentiful supplies by late January as weather improves

Cantaloupe

• Offshore volume is extremely low in the Central American regions of Guatemala and Honduras
  • November hurricanes pushed through fields, stunting growth and reducing crop yields
  • Demand exceeds supply; many growers are only covering prior commitments
  • Quality is good: sugar levels range from 12 to 14 Brix
  • Expect high markets until early February
• The Mexican cantaloupe season has ended

Celery

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Celery is available
• Stocks are below normal levels in Coachella, Oxnard, and Santa Maria, California due to recent strong holiday demand and persistently cold temperatures
• Production in Florida is ramping up after being delayed two to three weeks by inclement weather; size is increasing, but remains smaller than ideal
• Disease pressure, such as fusarium, continues to reduce harvestable stalks in some lots in Oxnard, California
• Overall quality is excellent in all growing regions: stalks are firm with deep color  
• Markets are expected to remain active through January

Honeydew

• Offshore and Mexican honeydew melons are available
  • The market is higher with moderate demand; overall supplies are sufficient between both growing regions
  • Prices are forecast to increase over the next three weeks as other melon options are limited
  • Quality is good: sugar levels range from 11 to 13 Brix
  • Expect rising prices in January

Limes

• Mexico is the primary growing region
• Prices are climbing
  • Supplies are tightening due to fewer harvests and border crossings from Mexico over the holiday season
  • Rain in the Veracruz region is delaying production
• Quality is good: suppliers are culling fruit with minimal scarring and oil spots
• Prices are expected to inch up with continued rain in the forecast for the next two weeks
• Expect elevated markets through January

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 month

Strawberries
Oxnard

• Supply levels are being affected by low temperatures; the forecast calls for evening and morning weather in the 30F to 40F degree range
• Berry size ranges from small to medium (expect 22-30 pieces per 1-pound clamshell)

Mexico

• Mexican supplies are available for loading in South Texas, as well as Oxnard and Los Angeles, California
• Size ranges from small to medium; cold weather is inhibiting growth (expect 22-30 pieces per 1-pound clamshell)

Florida

• Stocks remain limited as fields continue to experience low temperatures
• Berry size is small (approximately 20-30 pieces per 1-pound clamshell)

Tomatoes

• Florida round, grape, and cherry tomato volume is below normal
  • Last month’s rain and recent cold weather have hindered growth and reduced yields
  • Round tomatoes are dominated by small sizes (6x6 and 6x7); large sizes are limited (4x4 and 4x5)
  • Supplies are not expected to increase until late January
• Mexican vine ripe, grape, and cherry tomatoes remain extremely tight
  • Baja vine ripe and grape tomato volume is not meeting demand; winter new crop round, grape, and cherry tomatoes are slowly ramping up in Culiacan, Sinaloa
  • Significant yields are not expected until the week of January 18
  • Roma production has accelerated; prices will ease as supplies become more plentiful

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.
                                                                      
©2021 Markon Cooperative, Inc. All rights reserved.