Ontario's pepper programs are getting underway, with hot pepper harvest expected to start in mid-July and supply running through October. Exeter Produce and Storage Company grows approximately 15 different hot pepper varieties, with growers reporting good early crop development heading into the season.
Ontario's Leamington greenhouse belt and field production are key sources of peppers for the eastern Canadian and northeastern U.S. markets during summer and fall. A clean start to the season is positive news for buyers who rely on Ontario supply as a complement or alternative to Mexican and California programs.
For category managers planning fall pepper programs, this is a useful early signal — a strong Ontario start could add competitive volume and provide sourcing flexibility as western programs transition later in the summer.