Imported lemons are coming into the U.S. from several regions at the moment. "There are Mexican lemons and they are quite nice. The crop has been very pretty and very clean," says Paul G. Gonzalez of River City Produce Inc.
Meanwhile, lemons are also arriving from Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay on the East Coast of the U.S.
Domestically, lemons are also shipping from California's District 1 and 2 though there have been limitations on sizing from there. "It seems like it's limited mostly on large lemons. We use 140s, 165s, and 200s and they don't have them as much. What they do have are at higher FOBs," says Gonzalez.
Demand to pick up
As for demand, it's been somewhat slow, likely because consumers are on vacation and not eating at home as much. "However schools here in Texas are getting ready to start so we should get back to the regular rhythm soon," says Gonzalez.
On Mexican lemons, the FOBs have been a little strong while Chilean imports are about $4/carton cheaper than Mexican product, though the freight costs make them about equal in price. That said, pricing on larger sizes isn't as strong as California pricing on those sizes.
Looking ahead, Gonzalez notes that the heat in California, which has affected some commodities recently, may impact lemon supply from that region. "Geographically we're close to Mexico, and we're in the middle of California and the East Coast. The East Coast is getting a lot of offshore lemons so all of that means we have three different areas to shop from," he says.
For more information:
Paul G. Gonzalez
River City Produce Inc.
Tel: +1 (210) 271-0371
[email protected]
www.rivercityproduce.com