Opposite to last year, supply of limes currently exceeds demand. “Prices are lower than I am comfortable with,” says Raul Millan with Vision Import Group. “We expect this trend to continue through July. Historically, August brings a small gap in volume and I am hopeful it will result in prices to tweak up a bit. Hopefully, into the low double digits.”
“Nevertheless, current prices are still higher than the average of the past 15 years,” said Millan. “I remember going back that prices for a 40 pound box of limes were as low as $3 and $4.” Due to a change in demographics in the US, demand has exploded in the past 15 years. Consumption grows every day as the Hispanic and ethnic populations grow.
Limes are sexy ingredient
“The interesting dynamic is that more and more natural born Americans are also increasing their lime consumption. Limes have become a sexy addition to a cocktail, as well as to a tasty dish of fish or meat.” Limes are currently an integral piece of the many ingredients that chefs are using on a day-to-day basis. “Chefs at every restaurant from New Jersey to California, and households throughout the country have found the flavor-able magic that our ‘Mojito’ limes bring to the table or glass,” added Millan. Vision’s limes are available at all major retailers throughout the US. The company packs exclusively under the brand names ‘Mojito limes’, ‘Mr. Squeeze limes’ and ‘Havana limes’.
Very little US production
Vision Import Group currently sources its limes from Mexico. Its partner company in California, Vision Produce Company, grows limes in an organic lime orchard in California. The production volume is high enough to meet demand for customers in California. “Beyond that, nothing of volume that I know of is being packed in the US,” Millan said.
Production increases
Following the high prices of 2014, more countries that have conditions to grow limes, have increased production. “Growers are always looking to maximize their land and grow products that can potentially help their bottom line,” mentioned Millan. “I see countries like Colombia, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala trying to capture market share.”
For more information:
Raul Millan
Vision Import Group
Tel: (+1) 201-968-1190