Supply of imported bell peppers continues to be tight. “We are in the middle of a gap due to a change of growing areas and production delays that were caused by a hurricane earlier this year,” says Jose Luis Obregon of IPR Fresh, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
It’s a different picture for bell peppers than this time last year when there was plentiful supply thanks to a shorter gap between growing regions. Right now, the supply is coming from Sinaloa, Mexico, which was affected by Hurricane Norma in October. While the region is starting its production later than previous years, the season will go until June.
Other growing regions
Along with bell pepper production on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, some small imported production is also coming from Israel and Spain.
As for demand, it’s very strong. “That should even out once the pipeline is filled and the volume starts coming,” says Obregon. As far as the general consumption of bell peppers, he believes more could be done. “The best way to increase consumption is to develop an industry-wide promotional campaign promoting the benefits and uses of bell peppers.”
Meanwhile, pricing is very high right now compared to this time last year, and that’s largely attributed to the lack of supply. That supply should start leveling off in the next couple of weeks as the new growing areas start with volume.
For more information:
Jose Luis Obregon
IPR Fresh
Tel.: +1 (520) 377-5710
jobregon@iprfresh.com
www.iprfresh.com