Gary Clevenger, Co-Owner of Freska Produce, stated, “The weather that we are worried about is the rain. That affects everything from the harvest crews being able to harvest the crop as well as all the issues that affect the mangoes due to rain. Supplies right now are low out of Mexico due to the winding down of the season, but, still a good opportunity to promote some very large fruit that is not available on a year-round basis. Quality right now is fair. Keitt varieties normally have skin blemishes that are normal but may be perceived as having issues. The one thing to remember when you cut into these mangoes is that they have a wonderful flavor and texture and make for a really good eating.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">John Demshki, President of Corona-College Heights, explained, “We are harvesting right now in parts of the Coachella Valley and in the Imperial Valley of California. Early winter had successive bouts of cold and while we think the low spots are producing less production then we would like; however, we are pleasantly surprised that our yield is greater than we had originally anticipated. And, we anticipate sizes peaking on size seven, eight and nine.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Tom Argyros, Tropical Sales Specialist of L&M Companies, said quote, “Rain is kind of hampering the production in Los Mochis. We probably have another week to ten days and we will be out of there. Brazil has really nice weather, its right on the equator so everyday is kind of a Ground Hog Day. It’s cookie-cutter weather. Quality from Mexico is kind of a mixed bag. They are the tail end of the deal. Brazil is just the “Crème de la Crème.” Supply is waning from Mexico once again. Brazil is looking to start strong, but at the same time demand is dropping due to the increase in prices.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
