Cold weather has slowed production of cucumbers in Mexico, and imports reaching the United States have been light. Though the season in the Mexican state of Sinaloa has progressed at its normal pace, prices will remain strong until warmer weather spurs on increased production.
“There is product available that is not of the greatest quality, but the better-quality product is scarce,” said Francisco Mejia of Triple H Produce in McAllen, Texas. When volumes are light, prices are more beneficial for growers. With other crops, Mejia explained, growers might be tempted to hurry along production in order to take advantage of a strong market. But cucumbers can't be rushed, so production will only increase when the weather turns. On January 19, prices for a carton of medium-sized cucumbers from Mexico were between $24.95 and $28.95 at crossings through Texas.
“It won't be until mid to late-February, when temperatures climb, that volumes will increase,” said Mejia. “The season is stable at the moment, but production has just been stagnant because of the cold.”
For more information:
Francisco Mejia
Triple H Produce
+1 956 782 5128