Organic pepper supplies are strong coming out of Mexico.
“Supplies are good,” says Aaron Brookes with Jacobs Farm Del Cabo in Pescadero, CA. Jacobs Farm Del Cabo grows a range of peppers, from hot to sweet. “We have kicked off our winter season with Jalapeños, Padrons, Shishitos, as well as some new hot pepper varieties,” says Brookes.
This includes a new product just launched, the Cabo Diablo Hot Pepper Medley. “We grow about 15 different varieties of hot peppers and the medley will include between five and six varieties at any given time.” says Brookes, noting the unique nature of the offering. “Peppers are a growing category, especially in organic.”
Expansion planning
Interest in peppers has picked up so much that Jacobs Farm Del Cabo has increased its acreage on peppers and is planning additional acreage next year as well. “The markets in the U.S. are moving towards more and more demand for hot chillies. That’s especially true on the West Coast and in the South West” says Brookes. “That’s driven by a lot of factors, most notably by the growing influence of younger, emerging markets who are drawn to hot, spicy, responsibly grown food.”
“We are committed to delivering unique, differentiated product stories,” says Brookes. “The Cabo Diablo is a great example of that ongoing commitment. The market is responding, pricing is strong and we look forward to growing the program.”
