So far West Mexican produce shipments, much of which will be destined for markets across the United States and Canada, has mostly avoided any serious problems from a couple of hurricanes. Volume is expected to be lighter than normal for early season shipments, but should improve significantly as the season progresses.
Some commodities, including squash, watermelon, cucumbers, bell peppers and even a few tomatoes, already are crossing the border into in Nogales. Volume should pick up significantly by mid-to late November. However, the biggest volume typically doesn’t hit until late December or early January. Anytime now, there should be substantial volume of colored and green bell peppers from Sonora and Sinaloa, with the biggest increases being with greenhouse colored bell peppers.
The earliest season cucumbers from Caborca are just now starting to arrive and will continue until early December. Cucumbers should start arriving from Culiacan the first or second week of November and continue until the end of May.
As we approach the winter months, Mexican watermelons are increasing. Over 350 truck loads of watermelons weekly are passing through Nogales and volume is on the rise.
Nogales produce crossing from Mexico – grossing about $5700 to New York City.