Tag: bell peppers

Many commodities were in the line of fire from this storm. The path went directly through Georgia’s growing regions as the fall harvest began.

There is no denying that we are in the throes of the dog days of summer. As we begin this week, heat is the most widespread weather hazard across Central and North America growing regions.

From kayaking in one of the driest places on earth, Death Valley National Park, to 70-degree highs in places like Omaha, NE, and Chicago, weather is the most exciting thing to discuss.

Driven by strong Superbowl and Valentine’s Day demand, overall produce industry prices remain 14 percent higher than in any prior year.

Red bell pepper supplies are extremely scarce; prices have escalated. Green bell volume is lower; the California season is ending, and Florida fields have been affected by storms.

The ProduceIQ Index for the industry is up for the 3rd week in a row, an event that has never happened during this time of year. $1.29 is a record high during a season known for falling prices.

Big news this week. Green beans are extremely tight on both coasts, and prices are being pushed to a ten-year high. The Mother’s Day pull is keeping the demand up.

Breaking news: For the first time in what feels like years, California has a critical shortage of umbrellas. As if mother nature was tempted to show how fickle she is, California has had one of the wettest winters on record. Last week was the 10th atmospheric river to hit the West Coast this winter season, and more are coming.

Western iceberg and romaine markets suffer from the cold, but lettuce prices remain unaffected. However, growers are reporting cold-related injuries such as blisters, peeling, and pink ribbing. 

Barring major freeze events, overall produce markets will fall from now through early March as Mexican production reaches maximum throughput.