The market remains under pressure as Florida continues to recover from freeze
damage and Mexico struggles with extreme heat. The combination is limiting supply,
impacting quality, and keeping both pepper and tomato markets elevated as March
winds down, according to the website of Pro*Act of Monterey, CA
Bell peppers remain one of the most challenged categories.
Mexico, the primary supplier, is dealing with excessive heat that is slowing
production and limiting harvestable yields. Shortened harvest windows are
reducing overall output, while quality is mixed with increased insect pressure and
fewer premium packs available. Larger sizes and No. 1 grade product are especially
tight, pushing more volume into choice-grade supplies.
Florida is contributing very little volume following winter freeze damage. Many
March fields were lost or set back, and what remains requires heavy grading.
Supplies are inconsistent, with growers focused on managing through reduced
yields until new fields begin in April.
Red bell peppers are even tighter, and recent harvesting decisions are compounding
the issue. Over the past several weeks, growers have been pulling red fields early
while fruit is still green to help cover green bell demand. That shift is now catching
up to the market. True red volume is limited, and quality is being impacted, with
increased reports of “chocolating” and inconsistent color development. Florida
offers little relief, with extremely light, day-to-day volume and variable quality.