“Sugar snaps for our VegDeLite line of product with packaged vegetables are grown in Peru, Guatemala and Columbia,” says Dan Wahl with Growers Are US. “We grow our own snaps and peas in Peru and work with partner growers in Guatemala.” Production in these countries is well established. “In Columbia on the other hand, business has been tough, in large part due to the currency exchange rate,” mentioned Wahl. With the new exchange rate, Wahl is hopeful things will get better.
Low production Peru
Peru’s sugar snap season has just finished up and was largely affected by El Niño. The vegetable variety thrives on warm days and cold nights, but due to El Niño, it was hot during the day and the nights were much warmer than usual. Production is down as a result.
Quality problems Guatemala
Production in Guatemala is just starting up and the country is dealing with similar weather problems. “Usually, it rains every day, which is perfect for sugar snap production,” said Wahl. This season however, it’s dry and when it rains, the rains are very heavy. This has resulted in quality problems.
Lower volumes as well as lower quality are reflected in the price of the product. “Right now, the price is in the $30 range, which is way too high and this has been going on for more than a month,” admitted Wahl. “I anticipate this number to come off once Guatemala comes into full production.”
For more information:
Dan Wahl
Growers Are US
Tel: (+1) 305-606-2675
Fax: (+1) 305-681-0550