Summer vegetable markets remain under pressure due to freeze damage in Florida, reduced Mexican crossings, and delayed seasonal transitions. The upcoming Holy Week (March 29-April 5) will also affect labor and production in Mexico heading into April. Overall, supplies are tight across multiple categories, keeping prices elevated.

Bell Peppers

Green bell supplies remain extremely tight, especially No. 1-grade supplies. Florida volume is minimal, but it is expected to increase next week. Mexican crossings into Nogales and McAllen remain very low, with size and quality challenges intensifying late in the season. California desert production will begin in mid‑April. Prices are expected to remain high through early April.

Carrots

West Coast stocks are limited as harvesting continues in the Imperial Valley. Smaller sizes are most plentiful, which means overall yields are lower and availability will remain tight for at least the next three weeks. Mexican volume (crossing in South Texas) is also low. Supplies from Georgia and Arizona have been steady and are helping to fill in some of the gaps caused by low California volume. This support from other regions is critical as we navigate the ongoing supply pressures.

Chile Peppers

Florida chile pepper production is nearly nonexistent following freeze damage. Cubanelles, Long Hots, and Hungarian Wax supplies are at historically high market levels, while Jalapeños, Serranos, and Poblanos remain very expensive. Mexican yields are extremely low for numerous chiles, including Anaheims, Jalapenos, Poblanos, and Serranos, due to past weather and humidity that caused plant viruses and insect pressure. Supplies are extremely limited and markets are soaring.

Corn

Corn stocks remain extremely limited in South Florida following freeze damage. Relief is not expected until early to mid‑April when spring production begins in Sonora and the California desert. Mexican corn is available but priced at a premium.

Cucumbers

Cucumber availability is extremely limited. Mexican production remains low as Sinaloa winds down and Sonora ramps slowly. The Honduran season is ending, and Florida spring production has started with tight supplies. Demand is extremely strong, keeping markets at historic highs.

Green Beans

Florida bean supplies remain limited ahead of Easter, with higher volume expected post‑holiday as new plantings are harvested. Mexican production is declining seasonally, keeping markets elevated until Florida volume rises.

Red and Yellow Potatoes

Southern Florida has adequate supplies, as plants were at peak maturity when the freeze hit, but Northern Florida had to replant. The front end of the Northern Florida season will be tight in supply from mid-April to mid-May. Supplies should increase by mid-May when the replanted stocks are expected to hit the market.

Squash

Mexican production is transitioning from Sinaloa to Sonora; higher volume is expected. Florida supplies are sufficient due to recent ideal growing conditions. Zucchini and yellow squash prices are expected to ease in the near term.

Tomatoes

Stocks remain critically short. Mexican crossings have been minimal since mid‑March, and Florida volume is severely limited due to freeze damage. All varieties are affected, with rounds, romas, grapes, and cherries in extremely tight supply. Some relief is expected as Obregon production begins in early April, though volume will be limited.

Please contact your Markon Account Manager for more information.

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