Okra production in Honduras is seeing good numbers as favorable weather conditions there are helping to maintain a steady crop. Other oriental vegetables and products from around Central America and the Caribbean, however, are not enjoying such pleasant conditions, with a drop in the market on some of those items, including bitter melon.
"Right now, we're shipping American and Indian okra out of Honduras," said Paul Boris of Agritrade Farms. "We're seeing some good volume coming out of the country because the weather has resulted in good growing conditions. Hopefully the wet season will hold off as it normally begins in another few months which will slow down production."
"We also import chili peppers and bittermelon out of the Dominican Republic," he continued. "It has been a wet winter there, and we're hoping for a drier spring season to improve supplies."
Mixed markets
The market on okra has been moderate, according to growers. Steady prices and good demand has ensured it has kept on a good pace. Chili peppers, on the other hand, are seeing a very strong market right now, with increased prices in recent weeks. Bittermelon has a different story, with flat demand leading to a weak market on this vegetable.
"There is a very strong market on the Thai chilies at the moment, and habaneros have also gone up recently," Boris said. "Okra and other oriental vegetables have experienced a moderate market lately, with prices for okra between $16.00 - $18.00, and $18.00 - $20.00 delivered to Europe. Bittermelon though, has been a bit flat. Demand has been pretty slow for the past month and it's likely that there is too much product around."
"Okra overall has seen reasonably steady demand in the US market," Boris added. "Thai chilies and habaneros continue to see excellent demand and very tight supplies."
New pack on the horizon
Agritrade Farms has recognized that innovation in packaging plays an important role when it comes to success in retail stores. Boris announced that the company is currently working on a new pack for okra, which it hoped will be launched very soon.
"We are currently experimenting with a cello pack on okra," he shared. "It will be offered in a 12oz and 16oz value added pack for retail. We are still finalizing a prototype, with the intention of introducing it within the next month."
The company also said it has a particular way of preparing the okra at harvest in order to get an extended shelf life. "Okra is highly perishable and we want to be on the forefront of this technology," Boris said. "Agritrade Farms has an exclusive proprietary process on our 'Gumbo-Licious Brand' Okra that extends the shelf life. It’s called 'Gumbo Fresh' and we call it our secret sauce."
For more information:
Paul Boris
Agritrade Farms
Tel: +1 (954) 324-8877