Markon First Crop Report 6.1.2014

To learn more about Markon brands, please contact your sales representative | markon.com

Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF JUNE 1, 2014 | CANADIAN EDITION

Highlights• Markon First Crop

(MFC) Premium Romaine weights are higher on average than the rest of the industry (36 to 38 pounds compared with 34 to 36 pounds).

• Corporate Chef Mark Emery discusses Markon’s newest product offering, MFC Pears, in this Live Video Update.

• The cucumber market is escalating. East Coast growers have moved to Georgia, but new crop stocks are limited. Expect a harvesting gap in Baja, Mexico for two weeks.

Menu FeatureEvery chef needs a few solid recipes in his or her repertoire. That’s why Markon has put together a catalog of fresh produce-based recipes that cover it all: day- and menu-parts, the range of seasons, a variety of cuisines, and a diverse list of ingredients.

Asparagus, Grapefruit, Cucumber, and Pea SaladElegant and visually appealing, this salad combines tender asparagus tips, fresh-flavored cucumbers, sweet peas, and tart grapefruit. Get the full recipe >

Tips for Serving Pears• Lighten up cheese- and meat-based appetizers

(especially cheese plates) with thyme-poached pears; dice and pair with Gorgonzola, prosciutto, paté, Brie, and bacon.

• Revolutionize your salsa offerings: mix together untraditional fruits like blackberries, pears, peaches, and cherries with herbs such as mint, cilantro, or basil.

• Grill pears alongside chicken thighs, pork chops, and shrimp or thread chunks onto kebabs with ingredients like steak, onions, and potatoes.

Browse additional usage tips >

Ask a Markon ChefMarkon has gathered a group of our member- and grower-affiliated chefs to answer your questions about produce.Ask us your most challenging cooking inquiries online >

FEATURED QUESTION

Q: Summer is nearly here—what are your favorite Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) products to use during the hot months?

A: RSS Shredded Kale Blend, as well as salad mixes like RSS Hearts & Hearts and RSS Heritage Blend, are favorites due to their high quality and ease of use. I love how they save time in the kitchen and provide consistent presentation.

• Grill flank steak marinated with RSS Peeled Garlic and ginger; slice and serve with thick slices of heirloom tomatoes and RSS Hearts & Hearts.

• Combine RSS Heritage Blend with watermelon chunks, pepitas, and Cotija cheese; serve with creamy avocado-jalapeno dressing.

• Stir RSS Shredded Kale Blend into scrambled eggs or add to omelets and quiches.

Chef Mark Emery of Gordon Food Service Canada

CONFIDENCE IN EVERY CASE.

To learn more about Markon brands, please contact your sales representative | markon.com

Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF JUNE 1, 2014

ApplesRegion Supplies Quality Price

MI, USA ^^^ ***** $$$WA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

Overall prices are level; storage supplies will tighten through the summer, especially small sizes. Sugar levels measure 12 to 14 Brix (sugar to acid ratio). MFC Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, and Red Delicious Apples are available.

AsparagusRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX ^^^ ***** $$$

PERU/FL ^^^ ***** $$$WA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is slightly lower than last week; growers are harvesting in multiple regions. Quality is very good: stalks are straight and flavor is grassy. MFC Asparagus is available.

AvocadosRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are a bit higher than last week; volume is lower than usual for this time of the season. Oil content is high, creating nutty flavor and creamy texture. RSS Avocado Chunks, Halves, Pico de Gallo Guacamole, and Pure Pulp are available.

Bells: GreenRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$FL, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

The market remains elevated, but California prices are expected to ease by next week due to new crop harvesting. The Florida transition to Georgia will not be complete for two more weeks. Quality is very good: texture is crisp and flavor is zesty. MFC and Markon Essentials (ESS) Choice Green Bell Peppers are available.

Bells: Red and YellowRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are stable; supplies are adequate from California and Baja, Mexico (into San Diego, California). Shape is blocky, walls are thick, and flavor is sweet, yet peppery. MFC Red and Yellow Bell Peppers are available.

BlackberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX ^^^ ***** $$$

The California market is up; volume is low, but should increase by mid-June. The Mexican season is ending; stocks are decreasing and quality is fair due to problems with mold and bleeding. Sugar levels measure 12 to 13 Brix.

BlueberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$FL, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

MEX ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are starting to inch down. California and Florida new crop berries are increasing. The Mexican season is ending. Quality is very good: berries are slightly floral and sweet. Sugar levels are elevated, ranging from 14 to 18 Brix.

BroccoliRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX/TX ^^^ ***** $$$

The market continues to ease; stocks are becoming more plentiful in Salinas and Santa Maria, California. Quality is very good, although hollow core remains a slight problem in some lots. MFC Broccoli Crowns are sporadic due to hollow core; Markon Best Available (MBA) will be substituted as necessary.

Serve sandwiches the French way with these vibrantly colored, open-faced tartines.

Produce HighlightsAvocados

• Prices are a bit higher than last week.

• Volume is lower than usual for this time of the season.

Tree Fruit

• California nectarine and peach prices are inching down; stocks are becoming more plentiful.

• The plum market is stable; supplies are tighter, but also increasing.

Watermelon

• The overall market is elevated; Mexican volume is low and demand is strong.

• Expect new crop supplies to increase in California and Florida through June.

To learn more about Markon brands, please contact your sales representative | markon.com

CantaloupeRegion Supplies Quality Price

AZ, USA ^^^ ***** $$$CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX/AZ ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are unchanged. Central Arizona and California desert stocks are sufficient. The Mexican season is winding down. Quality is very good: sugar levels range from 11 to 12 Brix.

CauliflowerRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is a bit lower than last week, but may rise by the weekend, as supplies are tightening. Quality is very good: heads are snowy white and firm.

CeleryRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are soft; Oxnard and Santa Maria volume is high, especially 24-count supplies. Quality is very good, but seeder is becoming a more widespread problem. The Salinas season will start soon. MFC Celery is available.

CucumbersRegion Supplies Quality Price

GA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is escalating. East Coast growers have moved to Georgia, but new crop stocks are limited. Expect a harvesting gap in Baja for two weeks. MFC Cucumbers are available.

GrapesRegion Supplies Quality Price

MEX ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices have dropped; Mexican new crop green and red seedless stocks are adequate. Green seedless sugar levels are approximately 18.5 Brix, while red seedless levels range from 17 to 18 Brix. MFC Lunch Bunch Grapes are not available; packer label is being substituted.

Green Leaf/Variety LettuceRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

The market has eased slightly, but overall prices are higher than normal; supplies are sufficient, but demand is strong. Quality is very good: defects are minimal. MFC Premium Green Leaf is available.

HoneydewRegion Supplies Quality Price

AZ, USA ^^^ ***** $$$CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX/AZ ^^^ ***** $$$

Expect level prices for several weeks; volume is average in Arizona, California, and Mexico (into Nogales, Arizona). Quality is very good: sugar levels range from 11 to 13 Brix.

Iceberg LettuceRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is elevated; demand is strong and stocks are tight. Quality is very good: growers are trimming any damaged leaves. MFC Premium Iceberg Lettuce is limited due to light weights; MBA will be substituted as necessary.

LemonsRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices have inched up slightly; supplies are being harvested in the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California. Flavor is tart: sugar levels range from 6 to 8 Brix. MFC and ESS Choice Lemons are on the market.

LimesRegion Supplies Quality Price

MEX ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is returning to normal levels, especially for small sizes; new crop harvesting has begun. Quality is improving, but brown spotting and scarring remain slight problems.

OnionsRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$NM, USA ^^^ ***** $$$TX, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are stable; harvesting has begun in New Mexico. Quality is good: fresh-run supplies possess thin, flaky skins and juicy flesh. MFC Red and Yellow Onions are available; ESS No. 2 Yellow Onions are also on the market.

OrangesRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

The California Valencia market is level, despite slightly lower-than-normal volume; 113- and 138-count fruit is especially tight. Sugar levels range from 11 to 12 Brix. MFC Navel and ESS Choice Oranges are available; packer label oranges are being substituted as necessary.

PearsRegion Supplies Quality Price

WA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are starting to rise; D’Anjou storage stocks are decreasing. Harvesting will start in California by the first week of July. Sugar levels range from 12 to 14 Brix.

PineappleRegion Supplies Quality Price

CR ^^^ ***** $$$ECU ^^^ ***** $$$

GUAT ^^^ ***** $$$MEX ^^^ ***** $$$

The overall market has inched up slightly; supplies are tight. Flavor is tangy, yet sweet with tropical undertones: sugar levels range from 13 to 14 Brix.

Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF JUNE 1, 2014

To learn more about Markon brands, please contact your sales representative | markon.com

Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF JUNE 1, 2014

®

Ready-Set-Serve (RSS). Table-ready fruits & vegetables.

Backed by 5-Star.

Markon First Crop (MFC). Whole fresh fruits &

vegetables. Backed by 5-Star.

5-Star Food Safety. Addressing quality and safety at five key points.

Markon Essentials (ESS). No.2 grade value-focused

brand. Quality, food safety, and consistency in every box. Backed by 5-Star.

®

PotatoesRegion Supplies Quality Price

CO, USA ^^^ ***** $$$ID, USA ^^^ ***** $$$MI, USA ^^^ ***** $$$NE, USA ^^^ ***** $$$WA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$WI, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

Burbank prices are higher than last week; the Norkotah season has ended. MFC Burbank Potatoes are available; ESS No. 2 Idaho Potatoes are on the market.

RaspberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX ^^^ ***** $$$

The market continues to ease; new crop fruit is becoming more plentiful. Quality is very good, but bleeding is a slight problem. Sugar levels are high, ranging from 13 to 14 Brix.

RomaineRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are steady to slightly lower; supplies are adequate. Quality is very good, but fringe burn and mildew remain minor issues. Growers are removing damaged leaves; color may be paler than normal. MFC Premium Romaine is available.

Salads & BlendsRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is unchanged. Quality is fair due to the past few weeks of heat. Pinking, rib blight, and shortened shelf-life are current problems. Inspectors are working with suppliers to ensure good quality product is packed in Markon cartons.

Spring MixRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are level. Quality is very good, except for organic arugula and spinach; mildew, yellowing, and shortened shelf-life persist. As always, it’s critical to maintain the cold chain. RSS Conventional and Organic Spring Mixes are available.

SquashRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$GA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is high; new crop supplies are limited in California and Georgia. Expect prices to ease when volume increases. Quality is very good: skins are smooth and flavor is pleasantly bitter.

StrawberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are inching down; stocks are becoming more plentiful. Quality is very good: most berries damaged by recent heat have been culled, but bronzing, small size, and white shoulders persist in some lots. Sugar levels range from 14 to 15 Brix. MFC Strawberries are available.

TomatoesRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$FL, USA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX/AZ ^^^ ***** $$$

The Roma and vine-ripe markets are low; mature-green prices are average due to tighter supplies. Cherry and grape tomatoes are limited on both coasts. Quality is very good: fruit is firm and juicy.

Tree FruitRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

California nectarine and peach prices have decreased; stocks are becoming more plentiful. The plum market is stable; supplies are tighter, but also increasing. Quality is good: sugar levels range from 9 to 10 Brix.

WatermelonRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$FL, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

MEX ^^^ ***** $$$

The overall market is elevated; Mexican volume is low and demand is strong. Expect new crop supplies to increase in California and Florida through June. Quality is good: fruit is firm and sweet. Sugar levels range from 12 to 14 Brix.