Unlike some commodities which are seeing softer demand due to the colder temperatures across the country, winter squash is seeing the opposite. "Cooler weather is driving strong demand for hard squash, as these varieties are staples in hearty, warming dishes," says Lesley Sykes of The Sykes Co. "With much of the country experiencing a cold snap, demand is expected to remain robust in the coming weeks."
Sykes says cooler weather is driving strong demand for hard squash such as butternut (above).
Right now supplies of varieties such as butternut, spaghetti, acorn, delicata, and kombucha squash are coming from Mexican growing regions such as Hermosillo, Guaymas, Obregón, and Caborca, with additional crops from southern areas expected to arrive soon.
Shift to imports
Meanwhile domestic production from key U.S. growing regions—including the Northeast, Northwest, and California—has tapered off in recent weeks. This in turn has prompted buyers to pivot to fresh imports from Mexico. "Despite the weather-related challenges in Fall 2024, including hot conditions that affected harvest timing and yields, Mexico's overall supply has remained steady," says Sykes.
The supply of varieties such as delicata (above) are coming from Mexican growing regions.
As for pricing, for large-sized squash, they are currently around $16. "This could strengthen further if supplies tighten," says Sykes. "Meanwhile, elevated freight costs to the Northeast, which surged during the holidays, remain a factor, influencing buyer price thresholds in this region."
For more information:
Lesley Sykes
The Sykes Company
Tel: (+1) 520-281-2520
[email protected]
www.thesykesco.com