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Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF JANUARY 4, 2015

Highlights• Although green leaf,

iceberg, and romaine stocks have been ample, this week’s freezing temperatures will tighten supplies drastically and cause quality problems such as epidermal blistering and peeling for weeks to come.

• Markon First Crop (MFC) Lunch Bunch Grapes will be available through January 3; packer label will be shipped until the week of January 19, when Chilean MFC Lunch Bunch Grapes become available.

• Extremely cold weather in the Arizona/California desert growing regions has caused widespread lettuce ice. Hear what that means for the industry from Markon’s John Galvez in the latest Live from the Fields video.

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.

Hasselback PotatoesEasy to make and gorgeous in presentation, Hasselback potatoes are ideal for lunch and dinner menus.

Get the full recipe >

Tips for Serving Grapefruit• Serve roasted and chopped beets, RSS Grapefruit Sections,

and crumbled blue cheese inside cups of butter lettuce.

• Serve miso-glazed cod on a bed of sautéed RSS Triple-Washed Spinach; place three RSS Grapefruit Sections on top of fish; garnish with MFC Chives.

• Serve granita made with RSS Grapefruit Juice, simple syrup, and star anise; garnish with RSS Grapefruit Sections.

• Stew RSS Grapefruit Sections, RSS Orange Sections, and pomegranate seeds with red wine, cinnamon, and cloves; cook until liquid is reduced; serve over ice cream or pound cake.

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: Vegetarian starters can be economical as well as tasty—tell us a few of your favorites.

A: I love to make tomato tartins. Cut a sheet of puff pastry into a round disc. Shingle olive oil-poached tomato petals on top just inside the edge with a dollop of goat cheese on each. Bake until the puff pastry crisps, then drizzle with balsamic syrup. Top with frisée lettuce or chopped MFC Basil. Here are a few more:

• Make multiple slits in MFC Roma Tomatoes; stuff with Mozzarella cheese and MFC Basil; drizzle all with balsamic glaze.

• Batter fry cauliflower fritter and top with sour cream and sautéed leaves of Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Brussels Sprouts.

• Spread confit of RSS Peeled Garlic onto toasted baguette rounds; garnish with fresh herbs.

Chef Patrick Mitchell of Ben E. Keith Foods

CONFIDENCE IN EVERY CASE.

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Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF JANUARY 4, 2015

ApplesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Washington prices are steady; supplies remain plentiful, particularly large sizes. Sugar levels are elevated, measuring 14 to 18 Brix (sugar to acid ratio). Fruit is sweet, crunchy, and juicy. MFC Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Red Delicious Apples are available. Braeburn, Honeycrisp, and Pink Lady apples are also on the market.

AsparagusRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Although holiday demand has passed, the market will remain high; freezing temperatures are slowing growth and reducing stocks. Peruvian supplies will be limited for the next three months. Flavor is grassy, texture is crisp, and stalks are straight. MFC Asparagus is available.

AvocadosRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices have inched up slightly; supplies are ample, but fewer shipments are being received this week due to the New Year’s holiday. Quality is very good: high oil content is creating creamy texture and nutty flavor. RSS Avocado Chunks, Halves, Pico de Gallo Guacamole, and Pure Pulp are available.

Bells: GreenRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is level; Mexico is the main supply source at this time. Flavor is zesty, skins are smooth, and texture is crisp. MFC and Markon Essentials (ESS) Choice Green Bell Peppers are available.

Bells: Red and YellowRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices will dip over the next few weeks; Mexican stocks are abundant. Quality is excellent: shape is blocky, walls are thick, and flavor is sweet, yet peppery. MFC Red and Yellow Bell Peppers are available.

BlackberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is stable; Mexican volume has increased. Quality is very good: fruit is firm and juicy. Flavor is sweet; sugar levels range from 12 to 13 Brix.

BlueberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices will remain high through mid-January; offshore shipments have been sporadic due to the holidays. Fruit is deeply colored, plump, and sweet; sugar levels range from 14 to 18 Brix.

BroccoliRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

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

Weak demand is keeping the market low, but freezing temperatures will cause it to climb soon; supplies are tightening in California and Mexico. Quality remains high despite low temperatures. MFC Broccoli Crowns are available.

Colorful, light, and delicious - these whimsical desserts are the perfect end to any meal.

Produce HighlightsBroccoli

• Weak demand is keeping the market low, but freezing temperatures will cause it to climb soon; supplies are tightening in California and Mexico.

• Quality remains high despite low temperatures.

Celery

• Prices are inching down due to weak demand and ample stocks.

• The cold weather has not affected quality.

Squash• Prices are slightly lower

than last week.

• Zucchini supplies are increasing, but yellow squash stocks are forecast to diminish over the next ten days.

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

Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF JANUARY 4, 2015

CantaloupeRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices remain extremely high; offshore stocks are very scarce on both coasts. Rain in Guatemala has diminished volume, but it will rise when growers move to Honduras in January. Sugar levels have increased to 10 to 12 Brix.

CauliflowerRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is stable. Supplies are sufficient, but may tighten soon; freezing temperatures will stunt growth and push up prices. Quality is very good: texture is creamy and color is snowy white. ESS Cauliflower is available.

CeleryRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are inching down due to weak demand and ample stocks. The cold weather has not affected quality; texture is crunchy and flavor is peppery. MFC Celery is available.

CucumbersRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Abundant supplies are keeping the market low. MFC Cucumbers are available.

GrapesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are elevated. MFC Lunch Bunch Grapes will be available through January 3; packer label will be shipped until the week of January 19, when Chilean MFC Lunch Bunch Grapes are available.

Green Leaf/Variety LettuceRegion Supplies Quality Price

AZ ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are climbing; stocks have diminished drastically due to freezing temperatures. Industry-wide quality problems such as epi-dermal blistering and peeling are forecast for weeks to come. MFC Premium Green Leaf is sporadic; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted.

HoneydewRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Extremely low volume in Guatemala and Mexico are keeping prices high. Expect stocks to become more plentiful in January. Sugar levels are a bit higher at 10 to 11 Brix.

Iceberg LettuceRegion Supplies Quality Price

AZ ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is up; volume has plummeted due to freezing temperatures. Expect industry-wide quality problems such as epidermal blistering and peeling, decay, bottom rot, and internal burn for weeks to come. MFC Premium Iceberg Lettuce is sporadic; MBA is being substituted.

LemonsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are level. Stocks are ample; growers are taking precautions to protect fruit against this week’s cold weather. Quality is very good: lemons are tart and juicy. MFC and ESS Choice Lemons are available.

LimesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The Mexican market is steady; supplies are adequate despite lower-than-normal plantings. Quality is very good: fruit is juicy and tart.

OnionsRegion Supplies Quality Price

CO ^^^ ***** $$$ID ^^^ ***** $$$OR ^^^ ***** $$$UT ^^^ ***** $$$WA ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are weak; storage supplies are ample. Pacific Northwest stocks are crunchy, well-formed, and have bold flavor. MFC Red and Yellow Onions are available; ESS No. 2 Yellow Onions are on the market. Packer label white onions are also available.

OrangesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The California Navel market is level. Growers have taken precautions to protect fruit against this week’s freezing temperatures. Supplies are also on the Florida and Texas markets. Flavor is sweet: sugar levels range from 12 to 13 Brix. MFC and ESS Choice Navel Oranges are available.

PearsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are steady; supplies are abundant. Bartlett stocks will be on the market through late January. Sugar levels are high, ranging from 12 to 14 Brix. MFC Bartlett and D’Anjou Pears are available.

PineappleRegion Supplies Quality Price

CR/TX ^^^ ***** $$$ECU/CA ^^^ ***** $$$MEX/TX ^^^ ***** $$$

Expect the market to rise through January; Costa Rican fruit is tightening. Quality is very good: fruit is firm, sweet, and juicy. Sugar levels range from 13 to 14 Brix.

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

Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF JANUARY 4, 2015

®

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 Idaho, Michigan, and Washington markets are elevated. Extremely low temperatures in Idaho are delaying production and tightening supplies. MFC Burbank and Norkotah Potatoes and ESS No. 2 Idaho Potatoes are sporadic.

RaspberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are up. Supplies are limited, but will start increasing through January. The shift to new crop varietals is tightening stocks, but improving quality. California quality is very good; rain is not a factor because most farmers grow berries in protected greenhouses.

RomaineRegion Supplies Quality Price

AZ ^^^ ***** $$$

Although stocks have been ample, this week’s freezing temperatures will tighten supplies drastically and cause quality problems such as epidermal blistering and peeling for weeks to come. MFC Premium Romaine is sporadic; MBA will be substituted as needed.

Salads & BlendsRegion Supplies Quality Price

AZ ^^^ ***** $$$

Recent cold weather is affecting raw product quality. Markon’s Quality Assurance team is working closely with growers; there are no frost-related issues in finished packs at this time.

Spring MixRegion Supplies Quality Price

AZ ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is rising quickly; stocks are limited. This week’s freezing temperatures and frost have damaged many tender leaf varieties. Premature breakdown, reduced shelf-life, and weak texture are expected throughout the industry. RSS Conventional and Organic Spring Mixes are sporadic; packer label will be shipped when needed.

SquashRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are slightly lower than last week. Zucchini supplies are increasing, but yellow squash stocks are forecast to diminish over the next ten days. Quality is very good in all areas: skins are smooth and flavor is pleasantly bitter.

StrawberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

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

Weak demand has allowed the market to drop significantly. Production is increasing in the California regions of Coachella and Oxnard. Berries are also on the Florida and Mexican markets. MFC Strawberries are available.

TomatoesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Expect prices to ease over the next two weeks. Mature green supplies are increasing in Florida. Mexican Roma and vine ripe stocks are also more plentiful. Quality is excellent.

WatermelonRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Although the market is forecast to remain high through the winter, offshore stocks will hit the East Coast in one to two weeks, easing prices slightly. Quality is good: melons are deep red, firm, juicy, and sweet. Sugar levels are high, ranging from 12 to 14 Brix.