Green bell pepper production started early this week in Coachella. “The fields look really good right now, it would be difficult to know that a tropical storm rolled through in late August,” says Garret Powell of Peter Rabbit Farms. “We’re seeing larger fruit than normal for the fall--more like jumbo and extra large sizes. Usually on the crown pick there’s limited choice and that’s still consistent with what’s happening. We’re getting mainly number one peppers.”
The season is starting slightly later thanks to the unique combination of cooler temperatures than normal but at the same time, warmer temperatures staying on longer. Typically that transition from the north to the south would have been last week so there is some overlap from the different supplying districts in California. However, supply is expected to even out once the transition has been completed.
Demand to pick up
“On demand, it seems a little lackluster but I think with the new month coming up and the Thanksgiving pull, that will change. I expect demand to get better while supplies move to the southern growing districts,” says Powell.
As for red pepper production, it’s expected to start in the second week of November. Green pepper production should stay in Coachella until the first half of December while red peppers have the chance to go into January. “The supply and quality are strong out of Coachella and we expect it to stay that way for the next four to six weeks,” Powell adds.
Meanwhile on pricing, it’s moderate and will likely strengthen towards the end of November.
For more information:
Garret Powell
Peter Rabbit Farms
Tel: +1 (760) 398-0136
[email protected]
https://www.peterrabbitfarms.com/