Supply of hot peppers out of Mexico is running strong with good quality this season, but demand hasn't kept pace. Edgar Duarte of Rich River Produce says overall sales are down, with more volume hitting the market from newer growers who either expanded acreage or increased yields compared to prior years.
This is a notable shift given that East Coast pepper production has been dealing with weather stress — heavy rain in Georgia and drought in North Carolina. Mexican supply is effectively filling that gap, but with more volume than the market can absorb at current demand levels, prices are being pushed lower.
Buyers sourcing hot peppers right now are in a favorable position on price. Worth monitoring whether demand picks up as summer grilling season continues, or if the oversupply situation persists into late July.