News and Stories

Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials (ESS) Lemons are available. The Southern California growing region will be the primary growing area for domestic lemons until new crop Arizona supplies hit the market in September. Strong demand and limited quantities of 140-count and larger lemons will continue to drive up prices. Overall stocks will become more plentiful when Chilean lemons start arriving into the United States the week of June 13. Mexican fruit will be on the market in early to mid-August. Expect prices to stabilize by late July.

California

• MFC and ESS Lemons are available; packer label is being substituted as needed
• California’s Central Valley growing season has ended
• The Southern California growing region is now the primary area for domestic lemons
• 140-count and larger lemons are tight; supplies of 165-count and smaller fruit are adequate
• Prices are high and will continue to rise until new crop Chilean fruit begins arriving in mid-June
• Strong winds on the California Coast have caused scarring and increased choice grade fruit
• Overall markets will continue to climb then taper off in June when the Chilean season begins; expect stable prices by late July
• The California market will ease further when the Mexican season starts in mid-August
• Quality is very good
• Growers will begin harvesting new crop Arizona lemons in September

Chile

• Limited quantities of Chilean fruit will begin arriving June 9 for shipping the week of June 13
• The crop will be dominated by 140-count fruit followed by 165- and 115-count sizes
• The majority of stocks will be fancy grade
• Chilean lemons are palletized 72 cartons per pallet
• Prices will be comparable to the California market
• The season will run through early October

Mexico

• The season is expected to start by mid-August
• Supplies will be available for loading out of South Texas and Delano, California
• Early season estimates predict the crop will be dominated by 165-count and smaller fruit; the lack of rain in the Mexican growing region is keeping fruit small
• Prices will be competitive; this market is typically lower than the one for California domestic lemons

South Africa

• South African lemons can be shipped into Europe and Canada
• They are shipped in 15 kg/33-pound cartons versus 40-pound domestic and Chilean lemon cartons, yielding approximately 17% fewer lemons per box
• “Black spot” is a citrus fungus found in South African fruit; this problem prevents these lemons from being shipped into the United States
• Market prices are typically lower than those for California domestic lemons, but smaller cartons yield less fruit

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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