Cool weather causes bell pepper prices to rise

Bell pepper supplies are slowing as cool California evening weather affects ripening.

This drop in supply is causing prices to rise.

In an alert to buyers this week, Markon Cooperative BB #:123315 projects prices to continue to spike for at least the next two weeks.

“The California market is active due to increased demand and snug supplies,” Markon reported. “Cool weather is slowing the ripening process [and] rain is in the forecast this weekend and may affect harvest/supply.”

While quality remains good, large sizes are limited, the report says.

“The main red pepper season in Sonora, Mexico is expected to start in mid-December with good quality and sizing,” Markon said. “The East Coast does not produce a large volume of colored bell peppers. Overall markets are expected to rise over the next two weeks.”

On green bell peppers, California’s coastal growing regions of Santa Maria and Hollister are experiencing cool evening weather which affect plant yields, as growers transition to the Coachella, CA region over the next couple of weeks.

“Georgia and North Carolina are well into their fall crops,” Markon says.

“Cooler evenings are expected this week, slowing production. Florida growers are expected to start production in early November. Mexico’s Sonora region should begin harvesting in two weeks, pending no major weather events. The Sinaloa region escaped major damage from hurricane Pamela and will start on time in mid- to late November.”

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