Good demand and less import volume has made for a strong cucumber market. Supplies from Florida are expected to last through 2015, and then Mexican imports will make up the majority of supplies.
“The market trend for the last few weeks has been demand exceeding supply,” said Christy Cunningham of J&J Family of Farms. “So cucumber prices are slightly higher than normal for this time of year.” Inclement weather in Mexico affected production there and led to lower import volumes.
While production in Florida has been steady and this year's crop yield has been about average, fewer imports have impacted prices. On December 2, prices for a carton of medium cucumbers from Florida were between $20.35 and $20.95, and prices for a carton from Mexico were between $17.95 and $20.95 at crossings through Nogales, Arizona.
“We believe prices will be slightly lower in the next few weeks,” added Cunningham, “but they will still be higher than normal.”
