National Network of Local Distributors, Proactusa.com has indicated that there’s division of squash availability on both sides of the coast in the United States. The squash market is strong due to lack of western supplies, though steady supplies in central Florida and Georgia. A market report indicated “Lack of western supply is keeping the market tight.”
Acorn and spaghetti squash are scarce
Hard squash is still being offered since growers in Mexico were able to do extra plantings, according to Raquel Espinoza From Produce House, which is where their product is coming from, and is distributed to customers within the USA and in Canada. “It seems like markets are much higher and (squash) more scarce,” she said, especially on acorn and spaghetti squash. “We’re fine on butternut, but that’s going to be short lived.” Prices for acorn squash are the highest of the hard squashes currently; Espinoza says she easily expects it to creep up to the $20 range and once she gets supply this week she’ll open up at that price. “Spaghetti squash is already in the $20 range,” she said.
In the near future Espinoza will be continuing with butternut squash. Crops are finishing up in Obregon, Sonora and a new crop of spaghetti and butternut squash will be starting out of Coborca, Sonora in early June. She has seen an increase in demand for spaghetti squash – something vegetarians are consuming more of, and also sees butternut and acorn squash being added to meal kit delivery companies.
Demand has been good. “Demand has always been good. Even from previous years, it’s always been a good commodity to have. The slight increase in an extended season because growers planted a bit more acres is an opportunity," says Espinoza. “It was luck I guess.”
For more information:
Raquel Espinoza
Produce House, LLC
Ph: 520-281-8943