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Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF JUNE 8, 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).

• Strawberry prices are near the bottom; supplies are abundant in Santa Maria and Salinas/Watsonville, California.

• The cucumber market is expected to remain elevated for two more weeks or until growers in Baja, Mexico transition to new harvesting regions.

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.

Vegetarian Sushi Nutty-flavored red quinoa makes these avocado-carrot-cucumber sushi rolls healthier and more delicious. Get the full recipe >

Tips for Serving Nectarines• Blend together bananas, MFC Strawberries,

nectarines, and RSS Proprietary Blend Orange Juice; serve smoothies with nectarine wedge.

• Mix diced nectarines, Marcona almonds, honey, and chopped MFC Mint into breakfast yogurt and/or granola.

• Toss sliced nectarines, RSS Baby Spinach, and toasted pecans; serve with gorgonzola dressing.

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: Salads are big in the spring and summer—what are your favorites? How do you keep them on-trend?

A: I am a huge fan of classics like the Caesar, iceberg wedge, and traditional tossed salads. They remain relevant through creative deconstruction and the substitution of traditional greens like kale and micro-greens. Preparation is also key: try grilling toppings or changing creamy dressings into light vinaigrettes.

• Combine Ready-Set-Serve (RSS) Shredded Kale Blend with watermelon chunks, pepitas, and Cotija cheese; serve with creamy avocado dressing.

• Toss RSS Heirloom Spinach Blend, RSS Orange Sections, baked and sliced beets, and pomegranate seeds; dress with tarragon vinaigrette.

• Mix chopped MFC Trimmed Iceberg with sliced mango, macadamia nuts, and vinaigrette made with MFC Strawberries.

Chef Mark Emery of Gordon Food Service Canada

CONFIDENCE IN EVERY CASE.

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Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF JUNE 8, 2014

ApplesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is steady to slightly higher; storage stocks will decrease through the summer, particularly small 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 ^^^ ***** $$$WA, USA ^^^ ***** $$$

Prices have inched down a bit, but will increase by mid-June when the Salinas harvest starts to wind down. Quality is very good: stalks are straight and flavor is grassy. MFC Asparagus is available.

AvocadosRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is unchanged; supplies are tighter than normal for this time of season. 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 have eased; stocks have increased in Cali-fornia. Limited quantities are being harvested in Georgia; adequate levels will be shipped by mid-June. 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 ^^^ ***** $$$MEX ^^^ ***** $$$

The market is unchanged; volume is sufficient in California and Baja, Mexico (into San Diego, California). Shape is blocky, walls are thick, and flavor is sweet, yet peppery. MFC Red and Yellow Bell Peppers are available.

BlackberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are high; stocks are limited in both regions. New crop California volume won’t reach adequate levels until mid-June. The Mexican season is ending; quality is fair due to problems 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 level. California and Florida new crop fruit is becoming more plentiful. The Mexican season is wrapping up. 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 steady to slightly lower than last week; harvesting is sufficient in all areas. Quality is very good, although hollow core and branchy, long stems are slight issues in some lots. MFC Broccoli Crowns are sporadic; Markon Best Available (MBA) will be substituted as needed.

Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage work well in on-trend recipes like kimchees and slaws.

Produce HighlightsCauliflower • Prices are rising; demand

is strong and supplies are tight.

• Expect an elevated market through June.

Grapes

• The red seedless market has fallen.

• Growers are shipping the more expensive Sugraone green seedless variety, pushing up that market slightly.

Iceberg Lettuce

• Prices are high; demand is strong and supplies are scarce.

• Quality is very good, but mildew and rib blight are slight issues.

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. Central Arizona and Cali-fornia desert volume is average. The Mexican season has ended. Quality is very good: sugar levels range from 11 to 12 Brix.

CauliflowerRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are rising; demand is strong and supplies are tight. Expect an elevated market through June. Quality is very good: heads are snowy white and firm.

CeleryRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is near the bottom; supplies are ample, especially 24-count packs. Quality is very good, but high temperatures are causing seeder in some lots. MFC Celery is available.

CucumbersRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are expected to remain elevated for two more weeks. New crop harvesting has begun in Georgia, but supplies are tight. Growers are experiencing a harvesting gap in Baja, Mexico. MFC Cucumbers are available.

GrapesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The red seedless market has fallen. Growers are shipping the more expensive Sugraone green seedless variety, pushing up that market slightly. Sugar levels are 18.5 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 to normal; stocks are adequate, but demand remains strong. Quality is very good: internal burn, fringe burn, and mildew are minimal problems. MFC Premium Green Leaf is available.

HoneydewRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is steady; supplies are sufficient in Arizona, California, and Mexico (into Nogales, Arizona). Quality is very good: melons are sweet. Sugar levels range from 11 to 13 Brix.

Iceberg LettuceRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are high; demand is strong and stocks are scarce. Quality is very good, but mildew and rib blight are slight issues. MFC Premium Iceberg Lettuce is limited due to light weights; MBA will be substituted as needed.

LemonsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market has inched up; fruit is tightening, especially small sizes. 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 continue to ease, especially for small-size fruit; new crop harvesting is starting to increase. Quality is average: brown spotting and scarring remain minor issues.

OnionsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The California market is low; prices are average in New Mexico and Texas. Quality is good: fresh-run supplies possess 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 stable, although stocks are slightly lower-than-normal for this time of year; 113- and 138-count sizes are limited. Sugar levels range from 11 to 12 Brix. MFC Navel and ESS Choice Oranges are available; packer label oranges are being substituted as necessary.

PearsRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is high; D’Anjou storage supplies are limited. The California season will begin by the first week of July. Sugar levels range from 12 to 14 Brix.

PineappleRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

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

Prices are elevated; stocks are expected to decrease as the season winds down. Flavor is tangy, yet sweet with tropical notes: sugar levels range from 13 to 14 Brix.

Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF JUNE 8, 2014

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

Fresh Crop ReportWEEK OF JUNE 8, 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 will continue to inch up now that Norkotah supplies are depleted. MFC Burbank Potatoes are available; ESS No. 2 Idaho Potatoes are on the market.

RaspberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are decreasing; although the Mexican season is ending, new crop California stocks are increasing. Quality is very good, but 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 has started easing; regional growers have begun harvesting. Quality is very 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; the majority of heat-related problems are gone, but chunks and wads will be present in some packs. In-spectors are working with suppliers to ensure good-quality product is packed in Markon cartons.

Spring MixRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is unchanged. Quality is very good for most items; organic arugula and spinach quality is improving. As always, it’s critical to maintain the cold chain. RSS Conventional and Organic Spring Mixes are available.

SquashRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Prices are stable; new crop stocks are increasing in California and Georgia. Expect steady prices for the summer season. Quality is very good: skins are smooth and flavor is pleasantly bitter.

StrawberriesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The market is near the bottom; supplies are abundant in the Santa Maria and Salinas/Watsonville regions. Quality is very good: recent heat-related problems have improved. Sugar levels range from 14 to 15 Brix. MFC Strawberries are available.

TomatoesRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

Roma and vine-ripe prices are level; high temperatures have ended some Mexican harvests prematurely. Mature-green prices are starting to climb; East Coast supplies will be limited for two weeks, driving demand to Mexico. Cherry and grape tomatoes are tight on both coasts. Quality is very good: fruit is firm and juicy.

Tree FruitRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

The California nectarine, peach, and plum markets have stabilized; volume is high. Quality is good: fruit is sweet and juicy. Sugar levels range from 12 to 13 Brix.

WatermelonRegion Supplies Quality Price

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

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

High prices persist; demand is strong. Although the Mexican season is winding down, new crop supplies in California and Florida will increase through June. Quality is good: fruit is firm and sweet. Sugar levels range from 12 to 14 Brix.