Prime Time International's Katy Johnson Discusses Current Mexico Produce Season
MEXICO - Prime Time International’s Mexico harvest is officially in full swing, showing off the grower’s product versatility as it brings bell peppers, mini peppers, and asparagus to the U.S. market.
“From Valentine’s Day through the Easter pull, the supply from Mexico should be very good, then will begin to gradually taper off. In early spring, the transition from predominantly Mexican-grown produce to more abundant U.S.-grown items will occur,” Katy Johnson, Marketing, shares.
She points out that, right now, there are a lot of players in the game and as a result, prices are all over the board.
“We are experiencing very typical winter market conditions where there is a lot of fluctuation. These trends do not usually last more than a few weeks, though, and the markets tend to strengthen as supply decreases toward the latter part of the season,” Katy says.
With the Nogales, Arizona, season currently at its peak, supply of most produce items from Mexico should be at promotional levels. As for blessings and challenges, Katy points out that there have been both and all rests in the hands of Mother Nature.
“Other than rain and some cool temperatures, Mother Nature has been fairly kind this year as far as growing conditions. On the flip side, the extreme cold and wintery weather that the vast majority of the U.S. has been experiencing recently, combined with continuing COVID-19 obstacles, has slightly hindered retail and foodservice purchases of fresh items,” she explains.
It is in both strategy and versatility that Prime Time has managed to take on such obstacles. Currently, the grower is shipping from multiple U.S. locations along with Nogales, including San Diego, El Centro, Coachella, and Somis, California. Additionally, the team is shipping asparagus from Peru from its new Miami, Florida, facility—an addition Katy says there will be more to share on soon.
“Between asparagus and peppers, there has definitely been a lot going on. For now, as a result of having various growing regions and facilities in Mexico, supply is plentiful and quality is very good,” she concludes.
With much still clearly on the horizon for this ever-expanding company, be sure to keep an eye on AndNowUKnow as we bring you the latest.
