Summer vegetable markets are under pressure due to winter freeze damage in Florida, reduced Mexican yields, and slow seasonal transitions, resulting in tight supplies and elevated pricing across multiple categories.

Bell Peppers

Strong demand and high prices will persist through March. Green bells are extremely tight as Florida volume remains low and Mexican yields are dominated by small sizes and choice grades. Relief is not expected until California desert production begins in early April. Mexican red bells are slowly increasing, but some acreage is being diverted to fill green bell demand, keeping markets elevated into April. Short-term markets are steady at high levels.

Chile Peppers

Markets are elevated. All Mexican hot pepper varieties remain tight due to cool temperatures, rain, and pest pressure in Sinaloa and an early end to the season in Tamaulipas. The Florida freeze severely damaged winter chile pepper crops. Expect extremely low volume until Sonora and Central Mexico increase production in the coming weeks. Strong domestic demand within Mexico is pushing prices even higher; tight supplies are expected to persist through March.

Corn

The market is expected to remain high until mid- to late April. Supplies out of Florida are extremely limited. Quality ranges from fair to average. After the freeze earlier this year, only a few pockets in South Florida are harvesting; most growers will not start production until the first or second week of April. Limited Mexican supplies will be substituted for the next few weeks.

Cucumbers

Supplies are extremely limited, driven by low Mexican yields from aging fields and a slow start to the new crop spring harvest. Honduran imports are tighter than normal, and Florida spring production will not begin until late March/early April. Markets are escalating, with elevated prices expected over the next two weeks.

Green Beans

Florida production remains severely impacted by freezes. Yields are well-below normal, with a supply gap expected to persist through mid‑March while new plantings mature. Growers in Puebla and Sinaloa, Mexico are supplying substantial volume, although cooler weather has slowed growth. Guatemala is shipping limited quantities with excellent quality, but longer transit times require additional lead time. Expect elevated markets and limited supplies through March.

Squash

Yellow squash supplies are particularly tight due to freeze damage in Florida and Mexico’s harvesting transition from Sinaloa to Sonora. Florida production will remain minimal through mid-March, while early Sonora harvests are getting underway. Strong demand and elevated yellow squash and zucchini prices are forecast for the short term.

Tomatoes

Supplies are tightening further as Florida crop losses from freezing weather and logistical disruptions in Mexico strain availability.

• Rounds: Stocks are extremely limited. High prices are expected for the next six weeks until Florida volume rises.
• Romas: Supplies are even tighter than rounds, with higher prices anticipated; substituting round tomatoes is recommended when possible.
• Grape & Cherry: Supplies are scarce; elevated markets are forecast through March.

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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