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

Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF JUNE 22, 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).

• Green bell pepper prices are easing; California stocks have increased.

• Iceberg lettuce prices are elevated; demand is strong. Quality is very good, but many heads are large and puffy.

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.

Grilled Octopus, Baby Artichokes, and Preserved Lemons Visually stunning with global flavors, this on-trend dish also can be made with scallops or shrimp. Get the full recipe >

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 desserts are full of fresh produce. What fruit do you like to highlight?

A: Strawberries are my favorite summertime treat and luckily there are so many ways to use them on menus: from desserts, to salads, to soups and as a garnish. They offer universal appeal.

• Layer sliced MFC Strawberries and lime curd (made with Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Lime Juice) between tuiles; top with whipped cream, lime zest, and a whole strawberry.

• Purée MFC Strawberries, buttermilk, and sugar; pour through a sieve; sprinkle with gelatin, pour into molds, and chill; serve panna cotta with sliced MFC Strawberries.

Chef Mark Emery of Gordon Food Service Canada

CONFIDENCE IN EVERY CASE.

Tips for Serving Limes• Limes accent salad dressings, marinades, teas, vegetables, roasted

poultry, and pork stews.

• Thread chunks of MFC Zucchini and Yellow Squash with lamb, RSS Peeled Garlic, chopped MFC Red Onions, and sliced limes; marinate in olive oil, RSS Lime Juice, RSS Washed & Trimmed Cilantro, and fresh ground black pepper; grill and serve with couscous or rice.

• Pickle MFC Baby Squash, pearl onions, and RSS Cauliflower Florets in vinegar, sugar, dried chile pepper flakes, star anise, and lime zest; serve with sandwiches.

• Citrus fruits make classic desserts like crêpes, granitas, cheesecakes, custard pies, puddings, and sorbets.

Browse additional usage tips >

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

Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF JUNE 22, 2014

ApplesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Expect the market to continue rising through the summer. Storage supplies are tightening; small sizes are the most limited. 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 ^^^ ***** $$$WA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are steady; the California season will end over the next 7 to 10 days. Quality is very good: stalks are straight and flavor is mildly grassy. MFC Asparagus is available.

AvocadosRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Despite lower-than-normal volume for this time of year, the market is stable. 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 ^^^ ***** $$$GA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are easing; California supplies have increased. Growers will move from Georgia to North Carolina and Michigan by early July. 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 ^^^ ***** $$$

The market will be elevated for the next two weeks due to extremely limited California stocks. Shape is blocky, walls are thick, and flavor is sweet, yet peppery. MFC Red and Yellow Bell Peppers are sporadic; MBA will be substituted as necessary.

BlackberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

California prices have stabilized; new crop stocks are increasing. The Mexican harvest is ending; quality is fair due to issues with mold and bleeding. Sugar levels are average, ranging from 12 to 13 Brix.

BlueberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

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

The market is steady; California and Florida new crop volume is rising. The Mexican season is nearly done. Quality is very good: berries are slightly floral and sweet. Sugar levels measure 14 to 18 Brix.

BroccoliRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are a bit higher than last week; production is slowing in Santa Maria, California and Mexico. Quality is very good, although hollow core, branchy stems, and large crowns are slight issues. MFC Broccoli Crowns are sporadic; MBA will be substituted as necessary.

Serve the flavors of the world with a trio of Greek, Italian, and French flatbreads.

Produce HighlightsBroccoli• Prices are a bit higher than

last week.

• MFC Broccoli Crowns are sporadic; Markon Best Available (MBA) will be substituted as necessary.

Limes

• Prices for small sizes have returned to normal; large sizes remain extremely limited.

• Quality is improving: brown spotting and scarring are not as prevalent as in previous weeks.

Spring Mix

• The quality of most varieties is very good, but large size and brittle texture are issues in spinach supplies.

• RSS Conventional and Organic Spring Mixes are sporadic.

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

CantaloupeRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is stable; domestic stocks are adequate. Quality is very good: sugar levels range from 11 to 12 Brix.

CauliflowerRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

High prices are expected to persist; supplies are tight and demand is strong. Quality is very good: heads are snowy white and firm.

CeleryRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is steady at low levels. Oxnard production will end next week, but the Salinas season is underway; no price changes are expected. Quality is very good; seeder remains an issue in some lots. MFC Celery is available.

CucumbersRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

High prices are forecast for the next one to two weeks. New crop Georgia supplies are increasing, but are not yet at sufficient levels. There is a harvesting gap in Baja, Mexico. MFC Cucumbers are available on the East Coast.

GrapesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The green seedless market is level, but red seedless prices are inching up. New crop California supplies are on the market; Mexican stocks are adequate. Sugar 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 ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are inching down; supplies are sufficient due to regional production. Quality is very good, although internal burn, fringe burn, and mildew are minor problems. MFC Premium Green Leaf is available.

HoneydewRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market will increase a bit over the next two weeks; Mexican stocks (into Nogales, Arizona) are tightening. Quality is very good: melons are sweet. Sugar levels range from 11 to 13 Brix.

Iceberg LettuceRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are elevated; demand is strong. Quality is very good, but many heads are large and puffy. MFC Premium Iceberg Lettuce is tight due to light weights; MBA will be substituted as necessary.

LemonsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market continues to inch up; small sizes are particularly tight. Quality is very good. 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 ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices for small sizes have returned to normal; large sizes remain limited. Quality is improving: brown spotting and scarring are not as prevalent as in previous weeks.

OnionsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is stable; stocks are sufficient. Fresh-run onions have 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 ^^^ ***** $$$

California Valencia prices are unchanged. Overall volume is lower than last year; 113- and 138-count sizes are 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 needed.

PearsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The D’Anjou market is up. Storage supplies are diminishing quickly, particularly 120- and 135-count fruit. The California season will begin the first week of July. Sugar levels range from 12 to 14 Brix.

PineappleRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

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

Prices are slightly lower than last week despite limited stocks. Quality is very good: flavor is tangy, yet sweet with tropical notes. Sugar levels range from 13 to 14 Brix.

Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF JUNE 22, 2014

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

Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF JUNE 22, 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 ^^^ ***** $$$WI, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

The Burbank market is starting to ease; growers report more Burbank storage stocks than anticipated. MFC Burbank Potatoes are available; ESS No. 2 Idaho Potatoes are on the market.

RaspberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are unchanged; Mexican supplies are nearly depleted, but new crop California volume is increasing. Quality is very good, although bleeding is a minor issue. Sugar levels are high, ranging from 13 to 14 Brix.

RomaineRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$CO, USA ^^^ ***** $$$NJ, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is stable; regional stocks have increased national volume. Quality is good: fringe burn and mildew are slight problems. Growers are removing damaged leaves. MFC Premium Romaine is available.

Salads & BlendsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are steady. Quality is good, yet creasing and mechanical damage are becoming more prevalent. Inspectors are working with processors to ensure good-quality product is packed in Markon cartons.

Spring MixRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is level. The quality of most varieties is very good, but large size and brittle texture are issues in spinach supplies. Maintaining the cold chain is critical to shelf-life. RSS Conventional and Organic Spring Mixes are sporadic.

SquashRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are unchanged; stocks are adequate in California and Georgia. The market is forecast to remain stable through the summer. Quality is very good: skins are smooth and flavor is pleasantly bitter.

StrawberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Colder-than-normal weather is reducing Salinas/Watsonville volume and beginning to drive up the market. Quality is very good, although size is small due to low temperatures. Sugar levels range from 14 to 15 Brix. MFC Strawberries are available.

TomatoesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

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

Mature-green prices are elevated; fruit is limited in all regions. The Roma and vine-ripe markets are also high; the Mexican season ended earlier than normal. Domestic stocks are increasing. Quality is very good: fruit is firm and juicy.

Tree FruitRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Hot San Joaquin Valley weather has aided growth; California nectarine, peach, and plum supplies are ample and the market is low. Quality is very good: fruit is sweet and juicy. Sugar levels range from 12 to 13 Brix.

WatermelonRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

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

Prices remain high; California’s Imperial Valley harvest is ending. Expect higher volume in approximately two weeks. Quality is average: fruit is firm and sweet. Sugar levels range from 12 to 14 Brix.