There's been a wide range in quality for limes coming into the U.S. from Mexico, and current prices have reflected that. As overall quality of fruit improves, it's expected prices will also increase going into the first part of next year.
“There have been overall quality issues with limes that, frankly, I think should probably stay over there in Mexico,” said Richard Ruiz of Ruiz Sales in Edinburg, Texas. “We import a higher grade of fruit, but people are also choosing to bring in all kinds of quality, and that's why there have been issues.” He added that he's seen prices around $14.00 per carton for the higher-grade fruit his company handles, but there's a wide spread in the market. On December 16, prices for a 40-pound carton of seedless 110s from Mexico were between $8.00 and $12.00 at crossings through Texas, and prices for a carton of 150s were between $9.00 and $12.00.
“People want prices to be higher, but I don't think current supplies justify a higher market,” said Ruiz. “I do think prices will go higher as we finish the year. We can get up to $18.00 per carton in the next few weeks and maybe the market will go into the 20s in January.”
