Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF MAY 8, 2016

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

Highlights• Erratic weather, quality

issues, and strong demand are causing lettuce and leafy green prices to escalate. Limited supplies and rising markets are expected through next week.

• Strawberry yields are lower than antici-pated due to cold temperatures, strong winds, and rain showers that continue to challenge growers.

• View the latest Markon Live from the Fields video regarding insect counts in commodity and value-added items.

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.

Beet-Dyed Deviled EggsGive visual appeal to deviled eggs with the jewel-like tones of red beets. Get the full recipe >

Tips for Serving Spring Mix• Toss Ready-Set-Serve® (RSS) Spring Mix with thick

slices of sauteed MFC Portabella Mushrooms, Parmesan croutons, and creamy garlic dressing.

• Mix RSS Spring Mix with pepper-seared ahi tuna, roasted MFC Red Bell Peppers, sliced MFC Cucumbers, and snipped MFC Chives; top with creamy wasabi dressing.

• Top RSS Spring Mix with duck confit, cubed MFC Red Delicious Apples, cubed fennel, and crumbled Roquefort cheese; dress with peppery vinaigrette.

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: What is your favorite Mother’s Day dessert?

A: My favorite Mother’s Day dessert is one my own mom taught me called “Grammy Pammy’s Trifle.” It’s packed with blackberries, blueberries, Markon First Crop® (MFC) Strawberries, rasp-berries, and peaches. I layer the fruit with angel food cake, custard, and whipped cream to create a stunning visual display that is quite delicious.

• Puree blackberries, buttermilk, and sugar; pour through a sieve; sprinkle with gelatin, set in molds, and chill until firm; serve panna cotta with whole blackberries.

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

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 MAY 8, 2016

ApplesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The Washington market is weak; storage supplies are ample. Varietals like Braeburn, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady are also on the market. Sugar levels average 11 to 14 Brix (sugar to acid ratio). Quality is excellent: texture is crunchy and flavor ranges from sweet to tangy. Harvesting will start in California by mid-July. MFC Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious Apples are available.

AsparagusRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

PERU/FL ^^^ ***** $$$WA ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices remain high; demand is strong. Cool weather and rain continue to limit California stocks. West Coast quality is very good: stalks are straight, tips are compact, and flavor is grassy. MFC Asparagus is available.

AvocadosRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is steady to slightly higher than last week; demand is strong. Quality is very good: oil content is high, creating creamy texture and nutty flavor. RSS Avocado Chunks, Halves, Pico de Gallo Guacamole, and Pure Pulp are available.

Bells: GreenRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

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

Prices are near the bottom. Although the Mexican season is nearly over, harvesting is in full swing in California and Florida. Quality is best in Cali-fornia: 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

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

Expect an elevated market and tight stocks until the Coachella, California season hits volume levels in several weeks. The Mexican harvest is nearly over. Quality is very good. MFC Red and Yellow Bell Peppers are available; ESS Red Choice Bell Peppers are on the market.

BlackberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices have eased. While the California season is just getting started, Mexican supplies are plentiful. Quality is very good: sugar levels range from 12 to 13 Brix.

BlueberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

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

The market has started easing; stocks are increasing in all regions. Quality has improved to very good: fruit is plump and sweet, yet tangy.

BroccoliRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are inching up; demand is strong. Supplies from Salinas and Santa Maria, California are abundant, but Mexican stocks are tightening. Quality is good, yet branchiness and discoloration are slight problems. MFC Broccoli Crowns are sporadic; Markon Best Available® (MBA) is being substituted as needed.

Serve everyone’s favorite BLT sandwich as a crunchy, delicious salad.

Produce HighlightsLemons

• California’s Central Valley growing season will end over the next four weeks.

• Increased demand and limited quantities of 140-count and smaller lemons will drive up prices.

Melons

• MFC Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melons are now available from California’s Imperial Desert region.

• Large sizes (9-count cantaloupe and 5-count honeydew) will dominate crops through May.

Potatoes

• Norkotah supplies will be depleted the week of May 16. The Burbank variety will be shipped until new crop, field-run Norkotahs become available in late July.

• Prices are expected to remain relatively steady, with slight fluctuations.

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

CantaloupeRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are level. The offshore season is ending. MFC Cantaloupe Melons are now available from California’s Imperial Desert region. The Westside season will start in July. Quality is very good. Sugar levels range from 10 to 15 Brix.

CauliflowerRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is steady; supplies are adequate. Quality is excellent. ESS Cauliflower is available.

CeleryRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Although supplies are plentiful, strong demand is keeping prices at stable levels. Quality is very good, but pith and seeders are occasional problems. MFC Celery is available.

CucumbersRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Expect the market to inch up over the next two weeks when growers in mainland Mexico transition to Baja. Quality is excellent: flavor is fresh, color is vibrant dark green, and texture is firm. MFC Cucumbers are available.

GrapesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The Chilean season is ending, pushing up prices for all varieties. Quality is fair: amber coloring is a minor problem in green storage stocks. The Mexican green seedless season has begun. MFC Lunch Bunch Grapes are available in 21-pound portion packs.

Green Leaf/Variety LettuceRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are climbing; rain and lower temperatures have tightened supplies. Quality is average: insect pressure, mildew, and wind damage are minor issues. MFC Premium Green Leaf is sporadic; MBA is being substituted as necessary.

HoneydewRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is stable. The offshore season is winding down. MFC Honeydew Melons are now available from California’s Imperial Desert region. Sugar levels range from 10 to 12 Brix.

Iceberg LettuceRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are rising; inclement weather is reducing stocks. Quality is good: growers are peeling outer leaves due to problems with cracking, dense heads, and insect pressure. MFC Premium Iceberg Lettuce is sporadic due to low weights; MBA is being substituted as needed.

LemonsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Increased demand and limited 140-count and smaller lemons will drive up the market. California’s Central Valley season will end over the next four weeks. Quality is very good: fruit is juicy and tart. MFC and ESS Lemons are available.

LimesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are expected to remain high for another week or two. Growers in the primary harvesting region of Veracruz, Mexico are in the lowest production period of the year. Quality is average: scarring is a slight problem.

OnionsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

TX ^^^ ***** $$$WA ^^^ ***** $$$

The California season has begun; supplies are ample and prices are low. MFC Onions will be shipped from the Northwest through early May; Texas shipments will wind down in two weeks. Quality is excellent in new crop regions: expect spongier texture and flatter shape than in Northwest storage stocks.

OrangesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

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

The California Navel market is slightly higher than last week; certain sizes are becoming scarce, especially 113-count and smaller fruit. Valencias are on the Florida and Mexican markets. Overall quality is good: sugar levels range between 12 and 13 Brix. MFC and ESS Navel Oranges are available.

PearsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The Washington market is up; small fruit is extremely limited. Quality is excellent. Sugar levels average 12 Brix. The California Bartlett season starts in late June. MFC D’Anjou Pears are available.

PineappleRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are relatively steady. Expect Costa Rican supplies to tighten through May. Mexican stocks are increasing. Quality is good: sugar levels range from 13 to 16 Brix.

Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF MAY 8, 2016

Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF MAY 8, 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 ^^^ ***** $$$WI ^^^ ***** $$$

MFC Norkotah Potatoes will be depleted the week of May 16. MFC Burbank Potatoes will be shipped until new crop, field-run Norkotahs become available in late July. Through this transition, the market is expected to remain relatively steady, with slight fluctuations.

RaspberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are up; demand is strong. Mexican supplies are adequate; California stocks will increase through this month. Quality is very good: sugar levels range from 13 to 14 Brix.

RomaineRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is climbing. Erratic weather and quality problems like discoloration, mildew, premature pinking, tip burn, and wind damage are reducing volume. Quality is very good despite these issues. MFC Premium Romaine is available.

Salads & BlendsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are stable. Raw product supplies are ample. Mildew and tip burn are occasional quality issues, but overall quality is on target and meeting shelf-life expectations.

Spring MixRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is steady; Salinas Valley stocks are adequate. Quality is very good: insect pressure, wind damage, and yellowing are slight issues. RSS Conventional and Organic Spring Mixes are available.

SquashRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are weak. East Coast supplies are plentiful in Northern Florida and Georgia. Mexican stocks are available in Arizona and Texas. The Santa Maria, California season will start in a week or two. Quality is excellent: skins are smooth and flavor is pleasantly bitter. MFC Yellow Squash and Zucchini are available.

StrawberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market remains elevated. Strawberry yields are lower than anticipated due to cold temperatures, strong winds, and rain showers that continue to challenge growers. Quality issues include bleeding, bronzing, bruising, soft texture, water damage, and white shoulders. MFC Strawberries are available, but MBA is being substituted when needed.

TomatoesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Expect near-floor prices for the next two to three weeks; supplies are ample on both coasts. Quality is very good: fruit is subtly sweet and juicy. MFC Tomatoes are available.

Tree FruitRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The California nectarine and peach seasons have begun. Volume is low, but quality is very good. Plums will hit the market in late May. Sugar levels are average, ranging from 10 to 12 Brix.

WatermelonRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is unchanged. Domestic harvesting will begin next week, increasing overall stocks. Supplies from Guatemala and Mexico are adequate. Quality is very good, but hollow heart is a slight issue. Sugar levels range from 11 to 13 Brix.