US: Cold weather cuts into Mexican bell pepper imports

Cold weather in the western part of Mexico has slowed greenhouse bell pepper production and, subsequently, pepper imports coming into the United States have been affected. Though supplies are steady, prices are high because the rate of production has slowed.

“Lower than average temperatures during December and January delayed the start of the hot house bell pepper crop in Sinalona, Mexico,” said Jose Luis Obregon of IPR Fresh in Arizona. “Quality has been excellent, but low temperatures have delayed production.” 

As a result of light supplies, prices have been higher than normal. On January 27, prices for a carton of extra-large red greenhouse peppers from Mexico were between $10.95 and $12.95 at crossings through Arizona, and prices for a carton of orange peppers were between $12.95 and $14.95. Obregon noted that volumes have been steadily coming across the border, but low temperatures have delayed the season by two to three weeks.

“This season has been hard to predict in everything from production to prices,” said Obregon. “We hope the market can maintain its current stability for the upcoming weeks.”

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Jose Luis Obregon