New crop green bell pepper production has begun out of California. "Everything is looking good. We've had some really good growing conditions this winter and plants look really healthy," says Jay Angulo of Baloian Farms. "The peppers themselves have good color and we're getting a lot of good, big sizes–we've seen some extra large and even some jumbo sizes." He adds that sometimes the colder weather impacts the pollination.
The green bell pepper crop is starting slightly later than historical start times which typically tend to be within the first two weeks of April.
Red bell pepper production is still about four weeks away and should begin by the middle of May.
The crop is starting slightly later than historical start times which typically tend to be within the first two weeks of April. Industry production generally should begin within the next seven to 10 days. Production will stay in Thermal until the first of June when the crop transitions to Central California in the San Joaquin Valley.
Demand could pick up
As for demand, it's good and many customers are looking to switch over to the new crop already from Mexican product. "The traffic's been a little tougher–maybe they're loading citrus with our product–but there's demand to move to California," says Angulo, adding that that demand should strengthen as the supply of bigger retail-sized peppers from Nogales tightens up. "So there will be both more supply and more demand from California."
Angulo (left) says the peppers themselves have good color and Baloian is getting a lot of good, big sizes.
Where is this leaving pricing? Similar to last year. Angulo says extra large is starting at $20.95 while Choice is at $12.95 on the other end of the range. "Pricing might stay steady because there's nothing on the horizon showing that it might change," he says.
Along with its bell pepper production, Baloian Farms is also starting up with its chili crop from Baja Mexico and beans at the start of May in Thermal as well.
For more information:
Jay Angulo
Baloian Farms
Tel.: +1 (559) 485-9200
[email protected]
www.baloianfarms.com