MEXICO - Fresh Farms is in the middle of another strong season. Soft squashes such as zucchini, yellow squash and gray squash are some of the grower's leading crops this time of year and quality on all three commodities looks to be robust heading into February.

“A cold blast earlier this season slowed down production a bit,” explained Jerry Havel, Director of Sales and Marketing for Fresh Farms. “Fortunately, warmer weather in mid-January has helped the soft squash plants in Mexico recover and supply should be more available going into late January and February. Of course, there is always a threat of the return of dangerously cold temperatures this time of year which could slow production. If the weather remains warm, however, we look to have promotable supplies going into February and continuing through April. The quality has been very good and if the volumes can remain steady it should lead to a lot of promotional opportunities for the retailers throughout the Spring season on zucchini, yellow straight neck and gray squash.”

Prices out of Mexico for Fresh Farms' full array of soft squash have been strong so far this season. According to Jerry, Fresh Farms is currently enjoying price points of:

• $12.95 to $8.95 for zucchini, dependent on quality and size.
• $20.95 to $16.95 for yellow straight neck, dependent on quality and size.
• $14.95 to $12.95 for gray squash, dependent on quality and size.

In addition to soft squash, Fresh Farms is also an important player in the hard squash category. While early January's cold weather in resulted in some volume loss, the market is currently very active on Acorn, Spaghetti, Butternut, and Kabocha. Due to reduced supply, prices are in the mid to upper teens on all of these varieties, prices which are expected to continue into Spring, according to Jerry.

In addition to squash, Fresh Farms is a large grower shipper of American and English cucumbers, green beans, eggplant, grape tomatoes, green bell peppers and fresh pickles. In April and May, Fresh Farms will begin its watermelon, mini melons, and table grapes harvest.

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to bring you the latest fresh produce market news and analysis. 

Fresh Farms