Snap pea volumes from Guatemala are softening due to increased rainfall in the region. Some suppliers are turning to Peruvian product which they are importing to help cover the next month or two while the rainy season continues in Central America. But volumes remain light out of Peru as well, so snap pea supplies will remain limited for the next few weeks.
"We are currently winding down our Guatemala spring season," said Sandy Gatanio of Life Family Farms. "The growing regions in Guatemala have seen a lot of rain in the past few weeks which has slowed production. We just started receiving small shipments from Peru and look to gradually increase volume up until the end of June. Overall, we expect light volumes from both Peru and Guatemala over the next three to four weeks."
Prices expected to increase with strong demand
Although the market is steady right now, expectations are for prices to increase as the effect of lighter supplies filters through. Gatanio said that it will depend on how severe the rainy season will be in Guatemala, but with more substantial volumes from Peru not expected until August, it is more than likely that prices will increase from where they are at right now.
"If the growing regions in Guatemala remain relatively dry, we will see more product," he explained. "Conversely, when the rain hits, production is affected and supplies slow down which will help to maintain a strong market. Right now prices are in the high $20s, with snap peas between $25 - $28, and snow peas $27 - $30. At these prices, demand is exceeding supply so we are expecting higher prices shortly."
"Life Family Farms is in the process of sending up a container of peas from Peru, but this won't start until August," Gatanio continued. "We only have air shots at the moment and some buyers are unwilling to take the risk of the expense so they are waiting for the sea containers to arrive."
Some varieties more resilient to rain
Growers in Guatemala have been working on producing snap peas that can better handle the rainy season. Some of these varieties are in production and reports are that they do improve yields, but there is a trade off.
"Some of the varieties being grown in Guatemala now are more resilient to wet weather," Gatanio said. "They are typically a larger pea and generally hold up well in the rainy season although any rain is not too good for sugar snaps. Peru produces a string-less pea which are more preferred and usually attract a premium. However, with the current supply pressure in Guatemala, we might very well see a reverse in prices."
Successful first few months for new company
Life Family Farms has only just been established, beginning trade in March. The company offers peas, beans, asparagus as well as watermelons and pineapples. Gatanio said that overall, the main focus for the company is importing vegetables from Central and South America.
"Life Family Farms is about to mark the end of its third month in business," he shared. "Before the company officially began trading, we had some contacts that were able to arrange a shipment of asparagus for us. Therefore, we already had product as soon as the doors opened. It's been very busy but at the same time exciting and we look forward to providing top quality produce for our customers."
For more information:
Sandy Gatanio
Life Family Farms
Ph: +1 (561) 286-7212
sandy@lifefamilyfarms.com
www.lifefamilyfarms.com