Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF FEBRUARY 14, 2016 | CANADIAN EDITION

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Highlights• Markon First Crop®

(MFC) Premium Iceberg weights are much higher on average than the rest of the industry (46 to 50 pounds compared with 40 to 42 pounds).

• Cloudy skies, cool temperatures, and rain are forecast in Florida where items including bell peppers, corn, cucumbers, eggplant, green beans, and squash are harvested. Expect low volume and high prices until conditions improve.

• The asparagus market is low; Mexican supplies are ample. Expect demand to strengthen as Easter nears in late March.

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.

Rose Apple Custard Tarts These beautiful gluten-free tarts are filled with citrus-vanilla custard and roasted rose apples. Get the full recipe >

Tips for Serving Asparagus• Dip lightly steamed spears of MFC Asparagus in beer batter;

deep fry until crisp; serve with aioli seasoned with roasted MFC Red Bell Peppers.

• Toss steamed MFC Asparagus with Ready-Set-Serve® (RSS) Spring Mix; top with poached egg and crumbled bacon.

• Toss soba noodles with roasted MFC Asparagus and miso dressing; top with pan-seared scallops.

• Arrange steamed MFC Asparagus, boiled and sliced MFC Potatoes, prosciutto, and goat cheese on pizza dough; bake until crust is crisp and cheese is melted.

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: Kale, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts have all been extremely popular on menus. What do you think will be this year’s trendiest item?

A: The big trend I’m seeing is chefs reducing waste by using the entire product. Much like the snout-to-tail style of cooking, we are trying to use as much of a product as possible for more layers of flavor and less shrink. For example, instead of only using broccoli crowns, chefs are putting the leaves in salads and shaving stems into slaws. Now more than ever, with global demand and changing climates, foodservice operators need to utilize whole plants. With all the time, water, care, and resources used to grow our produce, it’s just the right thing to do.

Chef Michael Dahling of Shamrock Foods

CONFIDENCE IN EVERY CASE.

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Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF FEBRUARY 14, 2016

ApplesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Washington prices are weak; small-size fruit dominates storage supplies. Sugar levels are high, measuring 15 to 18 Brix (sugar to acid ratio). Quality is excellent: texture is crunchy and flavor is sweet. MFC Braeburn, Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious Apples are available.

AsparagusRegion Supplies Quality Price

MEX ^^^ ***** $$$PERU/FL ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is low; Mexican supplies are ample. The Peruvian season is winding down. Expect demand to strengthen as Easter nears in late March. Quality is best in Mexico: stalks are straight, tips are compact, and flavor is herbaceous. MFC Asparagus is available.

AvocadosRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Mexican prices are near the bottom. Volume is high, especially large sizes. New crop California harvesting has started; stocks will increase as the season progresses. Quality is best in Mexico: texture is buttery and flavor is nutty. RSS Avocado Chunks, Halves, Pico de Gallo Guacamole, and Pure Pulp are available.

Bells: GreenRegion Supplies Quality Price

FL, USA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is level. Florida supplies will remain limited through February, but Mexican stocks are becoming more plentiful. Quality is best in Mexico; some East Coast lots have slight problems like bruising and stem decay. MFC and Markon Essentials® (ESS) Choice Green Bell Peppers are available.

Bells: Red and YellowRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices have stabilized and will continue to inch down as supplies increase. Quality is good: skins are smooth and flavor is peppery, yet sweet. MFC Red and Yellow Bell Peppers are available; ESS Red Choice Bell Peppers are on the market.

BlackberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is steady despite tight stocks. West Coast arrivals are sporadic. Volume will rise as the season progresses. Quality is average: sugar levels range from 12 to 13 Brix.

BlueberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Chilean prices are lower than last week; the season is at its peak. Mexican supplies are a bit tighter; cool weather has hindered growth. Overall quality is very good: fruit is sweet, yet tangy.

BroccoliRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market has fallen; warm weather is increasing supplies. Expect demand to strengthen over the next two weeks; prices should remain stable as long as ample stocks persist. Quality has increased in all regions; color is dark green, flavor is earthy, and size is uniform. MFC Broccoli Crowns are available.

A salad of green leaf lettuce, cucumbers, and chicken gets a Thai kick from shaved papaya, chopped peanuts, and passion fruit dressing.

Produce HighlightsCarrots

• California supplies will be limited for the next three to four weeks while production moves from Bakersfield to the Imperial Valley.

• Expect higher prices until volume rises in early March.

Grapes

• The market has eased a bit, but prices could rebound by the week of February 15 through mid-March.

• Supplies are expected to tighten again due to Chile’s cold weather and rain in late January.

Strawberries• Stocks remain extremely

limited; demand exceeds supply in all areas.

• Volume will not return to normal until the week of February 22, pending weather.

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Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF FEBRUARY 14, 2016

CantaloupeRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is unchanged. Offshore supplies from Guatemala and Honduras are abundant; all sizes are available. Quality is excellent: sugar levels range from 10 to 13 Brix.

CauliflowerRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices have started rising; last week’s ample stocks sold quickly. Growers are behind harvesting schedules again, lowering volume. Quality is excellent. ESS Cauliflower is available.

CeleryRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is stable; supplies are sufficient, but small sizes outnumber large. Quality is very good, although browning at the stalks and insect damage are slight issues. MFC Celery is available.

CucumbersRegion Supplies Quality Price

FL, USA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX ^^^ ***** $$$

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

Prices are level; stocks are adequate on both coasts. Quality is very good: yellow belly is an occasional issue. MFC Cucumbers are available.

GrapesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market has eased, but prices could rebound by the week of February 15. Supplies are expected to tighten again due to Chile’s cold weather and rain in late January. MFC Lunch Bunch Grapes are expected to be available next week; packer label supplies are being substituted.

Green Leaf/Variety LettuceRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is low and demand is weak; warm weather has increased supplies. Quality is excellent: past epidermal blistering and peeling are minimal. MFC Premium Green Leaf is available.

HoneydewRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is steady. Mexican stocks are increasing; offshore supplies are ample. Quality is excellent: fruit is juicy. Sugar levels range from 10 to 13 Brix.

Iceberg LettuceRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is a bit higher than last week; supplies are adequate. Quality is very good, but many heads are light and puffy. MFC Premium Iceberg Lettuce is sporadic; Markon Best Available® (MBA) is being substituted when necessary.

LemonsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is stable; prices are slightly lower for small sizes. Quality is very good: fruit is tart, plump, and juicy. MFC and ESS Lemons are available.

LimesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are level. Supplies are average; all sizes are being shipped. Quality is very good, yet discoloration and spotting are slight issues.

OnionsRegion Supplies Quality Price

CO, USA ^^^ ***** $$$ID, USA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX/TX ^^^ ***** $$$OR, USA ^^^ ***** $$$UT, USA ^^^ ***** $$$WA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

Yellow onion prices are stable; the red onion market will remain high for the rest of the season. Medium to jumbo sizes dominate storage stocks. Packer label sweet onions from Mexico (into Texas) are also on the market. MFC Red and Yellow Onions are available.

OrangesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

California prices are starting to inch up. The Florida and Texas markets are steady. The new crop Texas Valencia season has been pushed back until the week of February 22. Quality is best in California: flavor is sweet and tangy. Sugar levels range from 11.5 to 15 Brix. MFC and ESS Navel Oranges are available.

PearsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are level. D’Anjou supplies are ample. Bartlett stocks are diminishing; the season is ending. Quality is excellent: fruit is sweet, yet subtly spicy. MFC Pears are available.

PineappleRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Expect both markets to remain elevated through February. Costa Rica is in a harvesting gap. Sugar levels range from 15 to 16 Brix in Costa Rica and from 13 to 14 Brix in Mexico.

Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF FEBRUARY 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, USA ^^^ ***** $$$ID, USA ^^^ ***** $$$MI, USA ^^^ ***** $$$NE, USA ^^^ ***** $$$OR, USA ^^^ ***** $$$TX, USA ^^^ ***** $$$WA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$WI, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is low as February is Idaho Potato Lover’s Month. Most growers are running full production for retail orders, generating more cartons and No. 2 stocks for foodservice. MFC Burbank and Norkotah Potatoes are available.

RaspberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Strong demand has pushed up prices slightly. Supplies are expected to remain limited in both regions through February. Quality is good: softness is a slight issue. Sugar levels range from 13 to 14 Brix.

RomaineRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are level; supplies are plentiful. Warm weather has aided growth. MFC Premium Romaine is available.

Salads & BlendsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is stable. Ideal weather continues to increase raw product supplies. Quality is very good: shelf-life has returned to normal.

Spring MixRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are unchanged; supplies are abundant. Quality is very good: bacterial leaf spotting and mildew are minor problems. RSS Conventional and Organic Spring Mixes are available.

SquashRegion Supplies Quality Price

FL, USA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX ^^^ ***** $$$

The market for Mexican zucchini has dipped. Yellow squash prices remain elevated; cold Florida weather has reduced volume. Zucchini quality is very good, but yellow squash crops are exhibiting blemishes and scarring. MFC Yellow Squash and Zucchini are available.

StrawberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

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

Prices are high. Although weather is improving, stocks remain extremely limited; demand exceeds supply in all areas. Volume will not return to normal until the week of February 22, pending weather. Quality problems include bleeding, bruising, decay, scarring, and white shoulders. MFC and MBA Strawberries are not available; packer label supplies are being substituted (in one-pound clamshells).

TomatoesRegion Supplies Quality Price

FL, USA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX ^^^ ***** $$$

The Florida market remains high, but Mexican prices are starting to ease. Expect tight East Coast stocks through February; poor weather persists. Mexican supplies are increasing, yet strong demand is preventing the market from any significant dips. MFC Tomatoes are available.

WatermelonRegion Supplies Quality Price

FL, USA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX ^^^ ***** $$$

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

Prices are slowly inching down; supply levels should return to normal by late February. Seeded fruit is extremely limited. Quality is very good: texture is firm and flavor is sweet. Sugar levels range from 11 to 13 Brix.