While the supply of papaya from Mexico is good, demand is softer right now. "It was just Thanksgiving week and a lot of cold weather for consumers has backed things up," says Super Starr president Lance Peterson. "Sometimes, demand is a bit hit and miss at this time of year. A few years ago, for instance, the market got really hot because there wasn't a lot of fruit available. However right now what we're seeing is pretty typical for this time of the year."
The quality of Mexican papayas is good right now as they have experienced good growing conditions. Supply looks fairly similar to this time last year and will continue to remain steady in the near future.
This is all leaving pricing fairly low right now thanks to that good supply and softer demand.
Demand to strengthen
That said, demand is anticipated to pick up again in January partly due to consumers making New Year's resolutions to eat healthier, though papaya demand tends to increase between the second and third week in January. "Somehow it correlates with school starting back up and everyone getting back into their routines," says Peterson. "Pricing will go back up though I don't think it will be like it was three or four weeks ago when it was sky high. Though I don't see there being too much supply available so the market will correct itself."
In the meantime, Peterson is also underway shipping its honeydew, Orange Canary, and Hami melons from Mexico.
For more information:
Lance Peterson
Super Starr International
Tel: +1 (956) 510-8126
[email protected]
www.superstarrinternational.com