It has been a complicated season for Persian limes so far. First of all, hot weather has made it challenging to meet preferred specs like bigger size limes, as well as limes with a perfect color, and shape. “Although the quality of limes is down in all growing regions in Mexico, Cuitlahuac in Veracruz still offers the highest quality out of all regions,” says Ariel Muñoz Prado with Fresh & Exotics Mexico, based in McAllen, TX. Veracruz is the largest lime growing region in Mexico.
Another reason for lower quality is that growers are dealing with rising costs of inputs and logistics. “The currency of most inputs like fertilizers, etc. is USD and a relatively strong dollar is having a negative impact on the input costs for the entire fresh produce industry in Mexico,” commented Muñoz Prado. “In an effort to reduce costs, growers are saving on necessary inputs, putting downward pressure on yields.”
In addition to Veracruz, Fresh & Exotics Mexico also sources limes from Jalisco and Yucatan. The company isn’t currently sourcing from Michoacán, Mexico’s second largest producer, due to the cartel issue. Although the problem has been around for many years, in recent weeks lime growers have been the victim of extortion by a local drug cartel. Just last week, the Mexican government sent 1,200 more troops to the cartel-dominated state after a weekend of violence. The situation threatens the supply of fresh limes.
With production volumes being lower this season, pricing on limes is a bit stronger. At the moment, the average price per kilogram is MXN $18 for CAT 1 product. Limes from Fresh & Exotics Mexico are distributed from the company’s warehouse in McAllen, TX throughout the state of Texas as well as New Jersey, and California.
For more information:
Ariel Muñoz Prado
Fresh & Exotics Mexico
Tel: +1 956-438-9862
www.freshandexoticsmexico.com