As old crop limes continue to ship from Mexico, supply remains steady. However recent growing conditions mean quality concerns are ahead.
"In the last few weeks there have been rains and this week also had rain in the forecast which is affecting the quality of the limes," says Alex Landin of
Limonik Produce/Limones Monica, adding that the rains have also held up some of the harvesting given pickers can't get into the muddy fields. "We should start seeing less quality from now until about mid-December."
Quality concerns are particularly on the larger sizes–150s, 175s and those quality issues include shorter shelf life, lighter color and more. "Those will be cheaper than the smaller sizes–the 230s and 200s. There will be more volume on the bigger sizes but also more quality issues. Smaller sizes will see less availability but the quality is better on that sizing and pricing will be higher," adds Landin.
© Limonik Produce
Holidays help demand
As for demand, it's low right now and lower than it's been in previous years, even though demand generally softens on limes between mid-October to mid-November. "We're hoping that come mid-December for the holidays that demand will start to pick up again like it normally tends to," says Landin, adding that Thanksgiving also tends to offer a bit of a small boost in demand.
All of this is leaving pricing similar to last year at this time, though pricing is varying within the market given those differences in quality.
Looking ahead, the new crop of limes from Mexico will come on in mid-December. "Until then there will be low yields on the fruit with minimum availability on #1s and more availability on #1.5s due to quality," says Landin.
For more information:
Alex Landin
Limonik Produce/Limones Monica
Tel: + 1 (213) 595-8483
[email protected]
https://www.limonik.com/
