The US market is currently seeing a shortage of colored bell peppers coming in from Mexico. Demand is reported to be strong for yellow bell peppers in particular, and growers have been trying to balance out production for the different colors.
"The small shortage that we are seeing on yellow bell peppers especially can be attributed to production percentages," explained Jimmy Garza of Bebo Distributing in Pharr Texas. "Yellow and orange bell peppers make up a smaller portion of production and we typically see a split of something like 70/20/10, where yellow makes up 20 percent and orange 10 percent. Of course, it's hard to predict precisely what demand will be and how much to subsequently put in the ground. It seems like yellow bell peppers are under-supplied."
Holiday pull creating stronger demand
With the Easter holidays, suppliers have seen an increase in demand for all bell peppers. This is also contributing to the higher prices on the market. However, suppliers say the market is as expected considering the time of year. Furthermore, predictions are for the market to return to normal after the holidays.
"At this time of the year, we have the holiday pull, causing demand to be stronger," Garza observed. "Right now there is particularly good demand but the market is comparable for this time period. After the holidays, we expect demand will steady and prices will ease again."
Garza said that Bebo Distributing offers standard bell pepper packaging including 11lb boxes, big boxes of choice peppers as well as the stop light packs.
"We have one of the most innovative displays at Viva Fresh"
Bebo Distributing will be exhibiting at the Viva Fresh Expo in San Antonio starting Thursday. Garza shared that the company will be having a special display showing a demonstration of greenhouse growing. He also mentioned that they will be showcasing a number of their products at the show for visitors to see.
"Our commodities will be on display, including tomatoes, bell peppers and cucumbers, which are our top three products," he said. "Our booth will feature probably one of the most innovative displays at Viva Fresh. It will represent greenhouse production and in the shape of a greenhouse as well."
Garza added that the show is of ideal size to be able to meet with many customers and suppliers in a way that is more difficult at larger shows. "You really get an opportunity to talk with retailers and others that are harder to track down in larger shows."
Another one of the highlights that Garza pointed out are the educational sessions, especially this year. "The educational sessions are really important especially this year with one covering the tomato suspension agreement," he said. "It's also really close to home. We can drive there and as a result, can have more staff attending."
Bebo Distribution Co. will be at Booth #68.
For more information:
Jimmy Garza
Bebo Distributing Co.
Ph: +1 (956) 627-3302
jimmy@bebofresh.com
www.bebodist.com