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Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF JUNE 29, 2014 | CANADIAN EDITION

Highlights• Markon First Crop

(MFC) Premium Green Leaf weights are higher on average than the rest of the industry (23 to 25 pounds compared with 21 to 23 pounds).

• California MFC Asparagus will be available through June; Mexican product will start shipping in early July.

• Celery prices are near the bottom; supplies are ample, especially 24-count and larger sizes.

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.

Vietnamese Summer Rolls Light, colorful, and healthy, these Vietnamese summer rolls make an excellent appetizer or buffet table treat. 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: What life experiences have influenced who you are as a chef?

A: Having spent time living in both the Midwest and Caribbean, I appreciate the multitude of options both climates offer in produce. I am mindful of the short window offered in northern climates—it’s just another great advantage to Markon produce…consistent quality and availability all year long.

• Wrap a small bunch of MFC Asparagus with fillet of sole; bake until fish is cooked; drizzle with wasabi cream sauce.

• Mix grilled MFC Eggplant, MFC Red Onions, and MFC Tomatoes with MFC Mint, Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Peeled Garlic, and RSS Lemon Juice; serve with grilled chicken.

• Top macadamia waffles with RSS Pine-apple Chunks and coconut milk syrup.

Chef Mark Emery of Gordon Food Service Canada

CONFIDENCE IN EVERY CASE.

Tips for Serving RSS Pico de Gallo Guacamole• Grill tomatillos and Anaheim chile peppers; purée and

stir into RSS Pico de Gallo Guacamole; serve with tortilla chips and/or chopped jicama, RSS Carrot Sticks, and sliced MFC Cucumbers.

• Purée grilled corn and jalapeno peppers with crema, salt, and pepper; chill and serve soup topped with a quenelle of RSS Pico de Gallo Guacamole.

• Spread RSS Pico de Gallo Guacamole over crisp tostada rounds; top with grilled Cajun shrimp and chopped RSS Washed & Trimmed Green Onions.

Browse additional usage tips >

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

Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF JUNE 29, 2014

ApplesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are inching up; storage stocks are decreasing, especially 125-count and smaller sizes. 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 ^^^ ***** $$$WA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

Expect the market to rise as the California season winds down over the next 10 to 14 days. Quality is very good: stalks are straight and flavor is mildly grassy. California MFC Asparagus will be available through June; Mexican product will start shipping in early July.

AvocadosRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices for 48-count and larger fruit are slightly lower this week, but 70-count and smaller sizes are limited. High oil content is 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 ^^^ ***** $$$GA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

The California market is low; volume is high. Growers will transition from Georgia to North Carolina and Michigan by early July. Quality is very good: 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 ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are high; stocks are extremely limited in California, but will increase in early July. Shape is blocky, walls are thick, and flavor is sweet, yet peppery. MFC Red and Yellow Bell Peppers are sporadic; Markon Best Available (MBA) will be substituted as necessary.

BlackberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Cooler-than-normal weather has slowed growth in California; the market is higher than last week, but should start inching down in early July. Sugar levels are average, ranging from 12 to 13 Brix.

BlueberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

CA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$NJ, USA ^^^ ***** $$$NC, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

MEX ^^^ ***** $$$OR, USA ^^^ ***** $$$WA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices are climbing. The seasons in California and Mexico are ending. Growers have started new crop harvesting in New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington; volume is low, but increasing. Quality is very good: berries are slightly floral and sweet. Sugar levels measure 14 to 18 Brix.

BroccoliRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is a bit higher this week; production is slowing on the West Coast due to increased regional harvests. Quality is very good, but hollow core, branchy stems, and large crowns remain minor problems. MFC Broccoli Crowns are sporadic; MBA will be substituted as necessary.

Fresh, yet zesty, this tomato gazpacho in cucumber cups is ideal for a hand-held appetizer or amuse bouche.

Produce HighlightsBlueberries• Prices are climbing.

• Growers have started new crop harvesting in New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington, but volume is low.

Cauliflower

• The market remains elevated; demand is strong and stocks are tight.

• Lower prices are forecast for next week.

Grapes

• Green seedless prices are starting to inch down, but the red seedless market is climbing.

• New crop California fruit is on the market; Markon will ship 100% California product the week of June 30.

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

CantaloupeRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are steady; supplies are sufficient in the Arizona/California desert region. Quality is very good: sugar levels range from 11 to 12 Brix.

CauliflowerRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market remains elevated; demand is strong and stocks are tight. Lower prices are forecast for next week. Quality is very good: heads are snowy white and flavor is earthy.

CeleryRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are near the bottom; supplies are ample, especially 24-count and larger sizes. Quality is very good; stalks are straight and flavor is zesty. MFC Celery is available.

CucumbersRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is up, despite average supplies in Georgia; demand is strong. Expect volume to rise in Baja, Mexico by late next week. MFC Cucumbers are available in Georgia only.

GrapesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

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

Green seedless prices are starting to inch down, but the red seedless market is climbing. New crop California fruit is on the market; Markon will ship 100% California product the week of June 30. Mexican supplies are diminishing. 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 ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is low; regional harvests are in-creasing overall stocks. Quality is very good, although internal burn, fringe burn, and mildew are slight issues. MFC Premium Green Leaf is available.

HoneydewRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are level. Production is scheduled to move north to Huron, California the week of July 7. Quality is very good: melons are sweet. Sugar levels range from 11 to 13 Brix.

Iceberg LettuceRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is elevated. Quality is good, but many heads are large and puffy with pronounced ribs and pale color. MFC Premium Iceberg Lettuce is tight due to light weights; MBA will be substituted as necessary.

LemonsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are climbing slowly; demand exceeds supply for 140-count and larger fruit. Quality is very good. Chilean imports will become available in early July; Mexican stocks will hit the market in late July. Sugar levels range from 6 to 8 Brix. MFC and ESS Choice Lemons are on the market.

LimesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market for small sizes (200- to 235-count limes) has stabilized; large fruit remains tight. Quality is improving.

OnionsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Weak demand is keeping prices low. 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 ^^^ ***** $$$

The California Valencia market is stable. Sup-plies are sufficient; the crop is dominated by 88- to 138-count sizes. Sugar levels range from 11 to 13 Brix. MFC Navel and ESS Choice Oranges are available.

PearsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

High D’Anjou prices persist. Storage supplies are nearly depleted, especially 120- and 135-count pears. The California season will start the first week of July. The Washington Bartlett season will begin in early August. Sugar levels range from 12 to 14 Brix.

PineappleRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

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

The market has eased to average despite tight 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 29, 2014

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

Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF JUNE 29, 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 ^^^ ***** $$$WI, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

Burbank prices have eased; Idaho storage supplies are plentiful. The new crop harvest will start in early August. MFC Burbank Potatoes are available; ESS No. 2 Idaho Potatoes are on the market.

RaspberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is steady despite tighter stocks; cooler-than-normal California weather has hindered growth. Quality is very good; bleeding is a slight problem. Sugar levels are high, ranging from 13 to 14 Brix.

RomaineRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are escalating; supplies are limited and processor demand is very strong. Quality issues such as fringe burn, internal burn, and yellowing are reducing yields. MFC Premium Romaine is sporadic; MBA is being substituted as needed.

Salads & BlendsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is stable. Quality is average, but creasing and mechanical damage remain problems. Inspectors are working closely with processors to ensure good-quality product is packed in Markon cartons.

Spring MixRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are unchanged. Quality is very good for most varieties, although large size and brittle texture are problems in spinach. Main-taining the cold chain is critical to shelf-life, especially during these summer months. RSS Conventional and Organic Spring Mixes are sporadic.

SquashRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is level; volume has increased in California and Georgia. Expect comparable prices through the summer months. Quality is very good: skins are smooth and flavor is pleasantly bitter.

StrawberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are inching up; Cooler-than-normal temperatures are slowing growth and hindering color development in the Salinas/Watsonville region. Expect limited stocks until after the Fourth of July. Quality is very good, although size is small. Sugar levels range from 14 to 15 Brix. MFC Strawberries are available.

TomatoesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

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

The overall market is high. California supplies are starting to increase, but fruit will be limited in Florida and Mexico for at least two more weeks. Growers have begun harvesting in South Carolina; stocks will increase as the season progresses. Quality is very good: fruit is firm and juicy.

Tree FruitRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are steady; California nectarine, peach, and plum stocks are abundant. 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 ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is stable. Supplies are starting to increase; California growers are transitioning to the Huron region. Fruit is deep red, firm, and sweet. Sugar levels range from 12 to 14 Brix.