Lighter supplies of peas from South and Central America earlier this month shifted some of the demand in the United States to suppliers from California. That prompted prices for California peas to increase, though the market could come down if imports on the East Coast ramp up.“Prices for a carton of snow peas were around $10.00 to $12.00 about a week ago, but now they're in the $14.00 to $16.00 range,” said Arguimiro Casas with A. Casas Farms. “That increase has to do with fewer shipments arriving in Florida from Guatemala and Peru.” He explained that the dip in volume from Guatemala has to do with lower production in that country, but the dip from Peru has more to do with market conditions.
“Peru was sending their peas via air, and the prices offered weren't enough to justify the higher transportation costs,” explained Casas. “They let up a bit, so we got more demand in California and prices went up.”
On August 31, prices for a carton of snow peas from California were between $17.00 and $18.95, and prices for a carton of sugar snap peas were between $12.00 and $18.95. Whether or not those prices stick around depends on volumes arriving from Peru.
“Guatemala isn't much of a factor because their production is low due to their rainy season,” noted Casas. “I think prices will stay in the $14.00 to $16.00 range, but it just depends on how much Peru sends via container ships.”
For more information:
Arguimiro Casas
A. Casas Farms
+1 805 473 3633