Domestic supply of squash from many shippers is holding out through the Thanksgiving holiday. However, a shift to Mexican supply is expected after this point. “Heavy volumes out of Mexico started this last weekend for Bridges Produce as well as other shippers out of the Nogales Market,” says Oscar Trujillo with Bridges Produce. The hard squash harvest started with Acorn, followed by Delicata. The latter variety is all packed and sold as Fair Trade. In addition, Butternut and Spaghetti come in each day and volumes are steadily increasing. All varieties can be pre-ordered as Fair Trade. Kabocha will start shipping the week of November 28.
Winter squash and other winter vegetables are available from mid-November until the end of May. “The start of squash harvest as well as other vegetables out of Sonora, Mexico has been delayed due to a heavy Monsoon season this summer,” shared Trujillo. Although it initially looked like the market was going to be tight throughout November, the availability of domestic supply has helped create a better balance between supply and demand. Bridges has planned strong production for the winter season out of Sonora state in Mexico. During the fall months, product comes from Hermosillo while harvest will switch to Guaymas mid-season and then back to Hermosillo in late spring.
Winter vegetables
In addition to hard squash, Bridges also offers cucumbers, eggplant, graffiti/striped eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, and chili peppers (Jalapeno, Anaheim, Poblano, Serrano). “We will continue to produce several loads per day on zucchini, cucumbers, yellow squash, and eggplant. Additional plantings across multiple regions will ensure ongoing supply through the winter and spring months,” commented Trujillo. Specifically, eggplant production will continue with strong volume now through December. Hot peppers have started, and volumes will increase in December when the Culiacan supply starts. Bell peppers will start in December with strong volume available in January.
Harvest delays
“We have seen extraordinary challenges again this year due to heavy rains and extended periods of cloudy weather during our planting time,” says Ben Johnson, CEO with Bridges Produce. “This delayed our typical harvest schedule and added some additional expense as we replanted some fields with low germination rates.” Despite these extra challenges, Bridges’ grower-partners have shown their resilience and dedication to provide steady volumes and to be predictable and reliable suppliers for Bridges’ customers.
For more information:
Sydney Fairchild
Bridges Produce
Tel: +1 (503) 235-7333
sydney@bridgesproduce.com
www.bridgesproduce.com