Supply of fresh produce grown in South America, Mexico and Canada should be arriving to stores on time and in promotional quantities for the 2022 season. Weather in Mexico and South America has been good for growing conditions and no major delays are anticipated. Greenhouse growing in Canada allows for consistent conditions for quality crops year-round.
Lance Jungmeyer, president of the Nogales, Ariz.-based Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, which represents growers and importers of Mexican fruits and vegetables, said there has ceased to be an out-of-season window in Mexico for greenhouse vegetables.
“There are so many microclimates, at various elevations and locations, that it is possible to meet market demand year-round, for practically any item,” he said. “When the US domestic growers are in full harvest across the continent, we tend to see Mexican fruit and vegetable imports decline in volume. During the winter, Mexican greenhouse produce is critical to the US market.”
“Mexican protected agriculture is key to food security for the whole continent,” he added. “The innovation in varieties, such as colored bell peppers, fancy cucumbers and squash, and dedication to high packing standards help create market demand for Mexican protected agriculture items.” In particular, the berry growing season has been going well with no major disruptions in weather in Mexico or South America, said Jason Fung, vice president of categories and strategy for Vancouver, B.C.-based Oppy. “We look forward to bringing all the winter offerings of strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries, with a strong push in the first quarter,” he said.
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