Expect tighter lemon, lime supplies and higher prices in June

Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 released these crop updates on lemons and limes on June 4, 2024:

Limes

Drought conditions are impacting supplies in Mexico; markets are poised to rise. Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials (ESS) Limes are available.

• Growers in Mexico are harvesting fruit early to avoid heat-related quality issues
• Stocks are dominated by smaller, 200-through 250-count sizes
• Larger, 110-through 175-count sizes are extremely limited
• Colombian fruit is being shipped as needed to cover larger sizes when Mexican fruit is unavailable
• Overall quality is good; anticipate increased blanching, stylar, thinner rinds, and lower juice content due to severe drought conditions
• Expect higher prices for the next three to four weeks

Lemons

The 165- through 200-count lemon market remains elevated due to extremely low volume and strong demand. In early July, both offshore and Mexican lemons will supplement domestic supplies.

Domestic

• Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials (ESS) Lemons are available
• Small-size lemons (165- through 235-count fruit) remain extremely limited
• Expect to make size and/or grade changes to help fill orders for small sizes
• Elevated pricing is forecast for the next six weeks

Offshore

• Offshore fruit will begin shipping in late June and run through early December
• The size profile will be dominated by large lemons (95- through 140-count fruit) but smaller sizes will be available as well
• Expect higher pricing compared to domestic and Mexican fruit due to high quality

Mexican

• Mexican shipments are expected to begin in early July and will run through late November
• The size profile will be 165- through 235-count fruit but larger sizes will be available
• Expect pricing to be comparable to domestic fruit until volume rises

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.