Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF AUGUST 14, 2016

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Highlights• Markon First Crop®

(MFC) Premium Romaine Lettuce weights are higher on average than the rest of the industry 37 to 39 pounds compared with 33 to 35 pounds).

• The California Gala apple season is underway; stocks will be on the market through September. New crop Washington fruit will be on the market in late August/early September.

• It’s a great time to buy MFC Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melons from California’s San Joaquin Valley region. Prices are low and supplies are plentiful.

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.

Seared Beef with Radishes and Beets Luscious filet mignon gets complexity from crunchy, peppery radishes and earthy beets—plus a punch of tang from pomegranate syrup. Light enough for a salad, hearty enough for an entree.

Get the full recipe >

Tips for Serving Cauliflower• Lightly steam RSS Cauliflower Florets; saute with pine nuts and

golden raisins; deglaze with sherry.

• Toss roasted and coarsely chopped Markon Essentials® (ESS) Cauliflower, MFC Onions, MFC Cherry Tomatoes, and crumbled bacon with sunflower seeds and poppy seed dressing.

• Stir-fry chunks of boneless chicken, RSS Cauliflower Florets, and RSS Pineapple Chunks until browned; add sesame teriyaki sauce; serve over brown rice.

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: It’s grilling season—what are your favorite produce items on the grill?

A: Chefs are now pulling away from the more traditional grilling items like asparagus and zucchini. I suggest using grill pans to give cruciferous vegetables such as pre-blanched RSS Brussels Sprouts, MFC Kalettes, and RSS Broccoli Florets a deeply charred flavor. I also like to marinate par-boiled and sliced sweet potatoes with soy sauce and mirin, then grill for a sweet yet savory taste. The key is to get adventurous.

• Grill MFC Eggplant, MFC Red Onions, and MFC Tomatoes; toss with MFC Mint, Ready-Set-Serve® (RSS) Peeled Garlic, and RSS Lemon Juice.

• Wrap MFC Asparagus with fillet of sole; grill until fish is cooked; drizzle all with wasabi- ginger-soy sauce.

Chef Chris Casson, Markon Member Chef

CONFIDENCE IN EVERY CASE.

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Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF AUGUST 14, 2016

ApplesRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$WA ^^^ ***** $$$

The market remains low. Sugar levels range from 11 to 14 Brix (sugar to acid ratio). Quality is excellent. The California Gala season is underway; stocks will be on the market through September. New crop Washington fruit will be on the market in late August/early September. Washington storage stocks of MFC Granny Smith and Red Delicious apples remain available. The seasons for MFC Fuji, Gala, and Golden Delicious apples are ending.

AsparagusRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are a bit higher than last week; volume will dip until harvesting transitions from Central Mexico to Baja. Quality is best in Mexico. MFC Asparagus will be available in September.

AvocadosRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is slightly lower than last week; Mexican supplies are more readily available in the United States. The California season is nearly over. Quality is very good: oil content is highest in California. RSS Avocado Chunks and Halves are sporadic; packer label is being substituted. RSS Pico de Gallo Guacamole and Pure Pulp are available.

Bells: GreenRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX ^^^ ***** $$$MI ^^^ ***** $$$OH ^^^ ***** $$$TN ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are level; volume is rising in California. Harvesting is up to full speed in Michigan and Ohio. MFC and ESS Choice Bell Peppers are available.

Bells: Red and YellowRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX/AZ ^^^ ***** $$$

The market will start easing next week. California growers have begun harvesting in new regions. Quality is average: hot weather has caused dehydration and shriveling. MFC Red and Yellow Bell Peppers are sporadic.

BlackberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are slightly lower than last week; stocks are adequate. Quality is average: bleeding, bruising, and inconsistent size are minor issues. Sugar levels range from 12 to 13 Brix.

BlueberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

CAN ^^^ ***** $$$MI ^^^ ***** $$$NJ ^^^ ***** $$$OR ^^^ ***** $$$WA ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is a bit higher than last week; volume is a bit lower due to weather-related issues. Quality is best in Canada and Washington; hot weather is causing problems such as bleeding and softness in some lots.

BroccoliRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX/TX ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are weak; stocks are abundant. Quality is best in California; high temperatures have caused problems such as branchiness, discoloration, and hollow core in some supplies. MFC Broccoli Crowns are sporadic; Markon Best Available® (MBA) is being substituted as necessary.

The epitome of bright summer flavors, this salad works year-round.

Produce HighlightsLimes• Supplies will be limited

this week as the remnants of Hurricane Earl pass through the main growing regions of Tabasco and Veracruz, Mexico.

• Expect prices to spike over the next week as industry supplies scale back.

Potatoes• Idaho storage crop

Burbank stocks will be depleted this week.

• MFC Norkotah Potatoes will be available later this week.

Red Bell Peppers

• California growers have begun harvesting in new regions.

• The market will start easing next week.

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Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF AUGUST 14, 2016

CantaloupeRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are low; stocks are plentiful in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Quality is excellent: sugar levels range from 12 to 14 Brix.

CauliflowerRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$

The market remains weak; supplies are ample, especially small sizes. Quality is very good: ESS Cauliflower is available.

CeleryRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$MI ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are near the bottom; California volume is high in Salinas and Santa Maria, particularly large sizes. Quality is very good: stalks are firm, straight, and zesty. MFC Celery is available.

CucumbersRegion Supplies Quality Price

MEX/CA ^^^ ***** $$$MI ^^^ ***** $$$TN ^^^ ***** $$$

The market has inched up to average levels; harvesting is winding down in Baja, Mexico. East Coast stocks are limited; strong demand is increasing prices. Quality is very good: skins are deep green with very little scarring. MFC Cucumbers are available.

GrapesRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are unchanged; supplies are abundant. Green seedless sugar levels range from 19 to 21 Brix; red seedless levels are 20 to 22 Brix. MFC Lunch Bunch Grapes are available from California in 21-pound cartons.

Green Leaf/Variety LettuceRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$EAST COAST ^^^ ***** $$$

The market remains weak. Quality is very good: insect pressure and mildew are slight issues. MFC Premium Green Leaf is available.

HoneydewRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are near the bottom; supplies are plentiful. Quality is excellent: flavor is sweet. Sugar levels range from 10 to 12 Brix.

Iceberg LettuceRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$EAST COAST ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are slightly higher than last week; strong demand and quality issues are lowering yields. Quality is good, yet insect pressure, internal burn, and mildew remain problems. MFC Premium Iceberg Lettuce is sporadic; MBA is being substituted as needed.

LemonsRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$CHILE ^^^ ***** $$$MEX ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is elevated. New crop Mexican fruit is entering the market. California quality is being monitored: mold, occasional decay, and internal breakdown are issues. MFC and ESS Lemons are available.

LimesRegion Supplies Quality Price

MEX/TX ^^^ ***** $$$

Supplies are limited as the remnants of Hurricane Earl pass through Mexico. Expect prices to spike over the next week.

OnionsRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$NM ^^^ ***** $$$OR ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are elevated; supplies are tight in Central California and New Mexico. Oregon growers are harvesting winter-over stocks. Currently quality is comparable throughout all areas, but when stocks are fully cured and shipped from storage in late September, it will be highest in the Northwest. MFC Red and Yellow Onions will be available in Central California and New Mexico for one more week.

OrangesRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$CHILE ^^^ ***** $$$

S. AFRICA ^^^ ***** $$$

The California Valencia market is stable. Sugar levels range from 13 to 15 Brix. Expect more elevated markets for offshore Navels than for California fruit. MFC and ESS Valencia Oranges are on the market.

PearsRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$WA ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are high. California Bartlett stocks are plentiful. Quality is excellent: flavor is sweet with hints of spice. The Washington storage season has ended, but new crop Washington Bartletts will hit the market later this week. MFC Pears are available.

PineappleRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are steady; Costa Rican supplies are tightening. The Mexican season has ended; new crop harvesting will start the last week of August. Quality is best in Costa Rica: sugar levels range from 13 to 16 Brix.

Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF AUGUST 14, 2016

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

®

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 ^^^ ***** $$$ID ^^^ ***** $$$MI ^^^ ***** $$$NE ^^^ ***** $$$OR ^^^ ***** $$$TX ^^^ ***** $$$WA ^^^ ***** $$$WI ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is level. Idaho storage crop Burbank stocks will be depleted this week. The transition from storage crop Burbanks to new crop, fresh run Norkotahs has begun. MFC Norkotah Potatoes will be available later this week.

RaspberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$

Although stocks are starting to increase, prices remain elevated. Quality is improving: hot weather has caused softness over the past several weeks. Sugar levels range from 13 to 14 Brix.

RomaineRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is stable; stocks are ample. Quality is very good, but internal burn and wind damage are slight issues. The color profile remains darker-than-normal throughout the industry. MFC Premium Romaine is available.

Salads & BlendsRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are unchanged. Quality has improved, but the shelf-life of RSS romaine-based salads and blends will continue to be monitored closely by Markon inspectors.

Spring MixRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is stable; stocks are adequate. Internal burn and yellowing are slight issues in some supplies, but quality is improving. RSS Conventional and Organic Spring Mixes are available.

SquashRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$MI ^^^ ***** $$$NJ ^^^ ***** $$$TN ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are up. High East Coast temperatures are slowing harvests and strengthening West Coast demand. California quality is highest; East Coast stocks may exhibit bruising, scarring, and softness. MFC Yellow and Zucchini Squashes are available.

StrawberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is steady; Salinas/Watsonville supplies are adequate at mid-season. Quality is good: but minor problems like bleeding, bruising, and smaller size are increasing. The Santa Maria season has begun; stocks are tight, but will increase. MFC Strawberries are available.

TomatoesRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX ^^^ ***** $$$TN ^^^ ***** $$$SC ^^^ ***** $$$

Mature green and Roma prices are up; small sizes are tight. East Coast harvests are in transition, strengthening demand for West Coast stocks. The markets for cherry and grape tomatoes are weak. Quality is very good on both coasts. MFC Tomatoes are available.

Tree FruitRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$

The market remains low. Domestic nectarines, peaches, and plums are ample; the season will is at its peak. Quality is very good: fruit is juicy and sweet. Nectarine and peach sugar levels range from 10 to 12 Brix; plums are a bit sweeter, ranging from 12 to 14 Brix.

WatermelonRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX/AZ ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are weak; stocks from California’s San Joaquin Valley are plentiful. Although quality is very good, hot weather may soften internal texture. Sugar levels are averaging 12 Brix.