MCALLEN, TX - As the Mexico transition gets underway, we touched base with some of our supply-side buddies to get the lowdown. I turned to GR Fresh’s Tony Incaviglia.

“As we approach transition throughout the industry in Mexico and domestically here in the United States, we will see a dip in supply, with a potential rise in markets and demand until late May or early June—depending of course on growing environments,” the Vice President of Sales and Marketing told me. “As we settle into new regions, supply should increase with markets settling in a bit to more consistent levels.”

GR Fresh has transitioned Roma tomatoes and cucumbers from Sinaloa and Sonora to Coahuila, with green bell peppers transitioning from Sonora beginning in June.

“I look forward to our summer/fall program every year as it has historically provided consistency in supply and quality,” Tony noted. “This growing region lends itself to produce some of our best production of the year. It’s a good time to experience our flavorful vine-ripened Roma tomatoes; our deep green, firm smooth textured cucumbers, and the healthy nutritional value of our green bell peppers.”

With such gorgeous product coming in, summer produce displays are a magical draw and help maximize sales.

With quality and volume looking good so far, Tony still noted that challenges across the supply chain still dog most suppliers.

“Weather has been at the forefront of most of our challenges during the winter season. Don’t forget about the rising costs of production; seed, labor to pick and pack, cooling, transportation, etc., etc. has added to this equation,” Tony said. “On a positive note, the environment has turned in our favor since then and weather, marketsm and supply quality have rebounded fairly well. Inflation, not so much.”

For the latest in all things related to fresh produce, keep reading us here at ANUK.