News and Stories

Bell pepper prices are elevated. Green bell pepper prices will start to relax next week as production increases in Georgia and California’s Coachella Valley, but the red and yellow bell pepper markets will remain high through December. Although cucumber and squash prices are elevated, they will ease as volume from Mexico increases. Winter supplies from Florida and Mexico will be more plentiful by mid-November.

East Coast

• Growing conditions are ideal in Georgia; the region has received some rain over the past month, but supply shortages are not expected
• Cucumber and squash stocks are sufficient; bell pepper volume is increasing
• Florida cucumber harvests will start next week, followed by bell pepper and squash production in early November
• Cold temperatures (nighttime lows ranging from 48º to 50º) are forecast in Georgia for this weekend, but a return to warmer weather next week will prevent shortages

West Coast

• Although green bell pepper prices are elevated, they will start easing next week when new fields are harvested in Coachella
• The red and yellow bell pepper markets will remain high for several months
• Supplies from the San Joaquin Valley region will be depleted over the next five to seven days; Oxnard will be the main source until the Coachella season starts in mid-November
• Stocks are limited due to early season heat and rain; defects may include shriveling, occasional decay, and shortened shelf-life (for four to six weeks)
• Cucumber prices are elevated; harvesting has begun in mainland Mexico (into Nogales, Arizona and South Texas), but volume levels will not be reached for one to two weeks due to Tropical Depression 16-E in September; Baja supplies typically meet demand through November, but supplies are limited due to active summer and fall storm seasons
• Squash supplies are adequate
• California growers will harvest through November
• Mexican stocks continue to increase
• West Coast production will move south until winter supplies reach sufficient levels in mainland Mexico in late November/December

Please contact your Markon customer service representative for more information.

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