Supplies of North American peppers look good heading into the holidays.
“Our pepper supply is good out of California and Mexico,” says Katy Johnson of Prime Time International in Coachella, Ca. “We’ve seen growth this year in pepper production, especially in the hot house and sweet mini pepper categories.” Prime Time’s production is hailing from Southern California and Mexico. “And we’ll increase volume on green peppers out of Mexico beginning December 1st,” adds Johnson.
Over at Fresno, Ca.-based Baloian Farms, peppers are also plentiful. “At the moment demand exceeds supply on both green, red, and mini peppers,” says says Richard Cowden of Baloian. “California has about the same acreage this year as last year. Supplies will finish in the Coachella Valley in the next two weeks on green peppers while Mexico is currently increasing production on green peppers.”
Cowden also notes there is a hangover effect from the hurricanes that hit earlier in the season. “The hurricanes affected the normal planting schedules and this has shifted the normal levels of supply and demand for the holiday pull,” he says.
Heavy demand
Meanwhile Cowden says demand for peppers has increased from the East. “Demand is strong from all areas, particularly the Western States and Texas,” he says. “And there is increased interest in the East. But currently, freight challenges are complicating the shipping scene and reducing the potential for additional customers to come to the West for product.”
Holiday happenings
Meanwhile Cowden is looking ahead at the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. “Demand will decrease slightly after Thanksgiving and then supplies will improve in Nogales, McAllen (Texas) and Florida,” he says.
That’s making for stronger pricing this season. “There’ve been many challenges on the growing side, and labor issues continue to influence the potential to harvest crops,” Cowden says.
