Onion prices rising as storage crop runs low

Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 released this onion crop update April 16, 2026:

The storage season for Markon First Crop (MFC) Onions is ending in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. Fresh-run MFC Onions are available in Texas. Southern California’s fresh-run onion season will start in a limited manner next week. Prices are rising.

Pacific Northwest

• MFC Onions will be depleted from storage this week in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon; some packer label supplies will ship into early May
• Quality on remaining stocks ranges from good to fair; growers are culling end-of-season issues such as internal browning, bruising, decay, sprouting, and translucency
• White onions remain extremely limited; growers are transferring product from Texas to fill demand
• Markon recommends ordering for quick turns and limiting inventory to avoid quality problems
• Expect elevated prices over the next two weeks

Mexico (into South Texas)

• Yellow, red, and white onions are minimal
• Quality varies by grower and region; green cast, soft texture, mechanical damage, and thin skins are to be expected with fresh-run onions
• Expect elevated prices over the next two weeks

Texas

• Fresh-run yellow, red, and white onions are available
• Quality is good; fresh-run onions will exhibit higher moisture content, thinner skins, and shorter shelf-life
• Due to a Texas marketing order, No. 2 grade onions are not available
• All sizes and colors are being shipped
• White onions are extremely limited; demand has increased as other growing regions wind down
• Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
• Expect elevated prices over the next two weeks

California

• Harvests in the Southern California desert region have begun in a limited manner this week; more suppliers will begin production next week
• Early lots are dominated by medium and jumbo sizes; larger colossal and super colossal sizes will be extremely limited
• Expect high prices at the start of the season until supply meets demand

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.