Limes are still in short supply as the effects of recent wet weather in the growing regions continues to filter through. Once the rain ceased, growers still faced delays as they waited for sunnier conditions to restore production. Despite the dip in production, growers said these conditions are typical for the season and are expecting conditions to improve.
"The growing region in Veracruz has seen a lot of rain recently which has resulted in production getting behind," said Dan Edmeier of Limex Sicar. "Afterwards, it remained cloudy and we were unable to pick fruit. These conditions are typical for the time of year and is nothing out of the ordinary. The weather has been ok for a while now and we expect the current supply shortage to last another week 3 - 4 weeks, with higher volume starting in early April."
Market up on strong demand
With the shortage of fruit being shipped, the market has taken an upward trajectory as demand exceeds supply. "Demand has been very strong for the limited amount of product that is available," Edmeier said. "It's been very difficult to meet the current demand and as a result prices have risen. We are now seeing prices from the mid $50s to $60 for a 40lb box and expect it may hit $70 at some point."
Edmeier also explained that sizing has started to shift, from larger to smaller sized fruit, which he said is also part of the seasonal cycle. "At the start, we saw a lot of larger fruit but now the opposite is starting to happen," he said. "It's part of the seasonal cycle, as fruit sizes tend to be smaller as you harvest later into the crop."
Transition will see more steady supply
While the supply issues are mainly affecting the Veracruz region, growers are waiting for the season to shift to other growing regions. This transition will occur in a few months and predictions are for more steady supply and quality.
"There will be a broad seasonal transition as lime production moves from Veracruz to Colima in another couple of months," Edmeier noted. "This will result in improved supply as well as more consistency in quality. Limex Sicar grow almost 5000 acres of conventional Persian and Key limes in Veracruz, and in Colima, our acreage is over 2400 acres of conventional limes, and 1150 acres of organic."Attendance at Southern Exposure
Limex Sicar will be busy this weekend showing their products at Southern Exposure in Tampa. Edmeier said that the opportunity to meet people at the show is one of their motivations to attend. While at the show, the company also plans to introduce a new line item.
"We find the SEPC show to be very personal and properly paced," he said. "Many of the folks we do business with are there and we get a fair amount of time to interact and catch up. It is a well attended, well managed show that moves slow enough to accomplish our goals but fast enough not to get bogged down. This year, we will be introducing our line of Imperfect produce."
You can visit Limex Sicar during Southern Exposure at Booth 507.
For more information:
Dan Edmeier
Limex Sicar Ltd.
Tel: +1 (956) 581-6099