MCALLEN, TX - One of the perks of being a writer in the fresh produce space is the ability to connect with industry friends and bridge gaps of information across multiple categories and sectors. As I recently dug further into the current tomato market, I had a conversation with GR Fresh’s Tony Incaviglia, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, who shared production details across the tomato category and more.
“Our tomato season is about ready to bust out of the gates,” Tony tells me as we take a moment to catch up on the supplier’s robust vegetable portfolio. “Roma, vine-ripened rounds, and grape tomatoes will all be plentiful this winter season for the next three months, given there are no other unforeseen impacts.”
As Tony tells me, Mother Nature has brought cooler weather to some of the provider’s growing regions, bringing some challenges to production.
“Some of our current growing regions have been challenged with cool weather, but as we move a bit further south in Sonora and into Sinaloa, Mexico, our expectation is that quality, supply volume, and consistency will be on the rise,” Tony shares.
PRO*ACT’s The Source report for January 11 also noted that some companies saw price spikes on Romas and round tomatoes due to last week’s violence in Mexico which reduced border crossings. The market is expected to adjust downward and stabilize as supplies increase, according to the source.
As for its other categories, GR Fresh is predicting an increase in momentum on the horizon.
“All of GR Fresh’s dry veg commodities—avocados, cucumbers, bell peppers, eggplant, green beans, zucchini, and yellow squash—will gain some momentum and be more consistent as some past challenges will be behind us,” explains Tony. “Also don’t forget about our Distribution and Consolidation Services. Who better to manage your supply chain originating in Mexico and Texas, along with all our other full-service warehouse capabilities, than GR Fresh?"
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on these key vegetable categories and more, so be on the lookout for our next market update.
