The Mexican vegetable season is at a transition point with northern items finishing up and production moving south as new crops start in Guaymas and Culiacán. Weather conditions have been pretty stable and for most crops, projections are on target. However, some items are seeing an abundance in supply while for other items, supply is still building up.
Scarcity on yellow squash
Supply of both conventional and organic yellow squash is limited around the country. "There is just nothing available," says Oscar Trujillo with Bridges Produce. The supply shortage is caused by a reduction in planted acreage in combination with crop failures in some areas. However, Trujillo hopes the situation will improve at the end of the month, after Hermosillo has finished and Guaymas has started up. "Right now, production volume is about 20 percent of normal levels, but the transition down south should bring relief."
Ample availability of hard squash
Hard squash on the other hand is very promotable at the moment. There was some overlap between the seasons in the U.S. and Mexico, which caused a bit of oversupply. Butternut squash is available in significant quantities, and the next few months are expected to be a buyer's market. Kabocha, Acorn, and Delicata squash are also available in fair numbers. "For us, supply from the U.S. has finished and we are in the process of transitioning into Hermosillo," commented Trujillo. Bridges Produce offers a 12-month program out of Oregon, Washington, California and Mexico. "Out of Mexico, we are the largest supplier of organic hard squash, packed into the Rico Farms brand," he added.
© Bridges Produce
Delicata squash.
Graffiti eggplant
© Bridges ProduceSupply of eggplant is also abundant and expected to stay that way through December. "Eggplant is packed into our Aztlan brand, and we are pushing it in any way we can through aggressive pricing," commented Trujillo. Within the eggplant family, graffiti eggplant is usually a niche item, but yields are higher than expected this year and as a result, there is plenty of product available. Graffiti eggplant is geared towards high-end retailers but also makes its way over to club stores where it's sold in 3 ct. bags. By the time January comes around, things will smoothen out. "Typically, the situation reverses at the beginning of the year when yields go down and demand goes up."
Low volume items
The market is also being flooded with cucumbers, but bell peppers on the other hand are a lower volume item currently as production is just starting up this week. "It's very exciting as demand for bell peppers is very strong currently." The situation is similar for Roma tomatoes that will kick off next week. Demand is expected to continue to be high throughout December. However, this will turn around in January when more and more volume will hit the market.
© Bridges Produce
Christmas outlook
Overall, vegetable demand is starting to pick up for Christmas. "We will see strong demand all the way through December 22." After that, it tapers off and Christmas week is usually quiet. During that week, there will be plenty of inventory, but by Monday, December 29 people will start buying again," finished Trujillo.
For more information:
Oscar Trujillo
Bridges Produce
[email protected]
www.bridgesproduce.com
