"Because of the weather, supplies are very tight right now," said Miguel Fernández of Inverafrut. "Storms during the past week, combined with cold, rainy and cloudy weather the week before has affected fruit volume in Veracruz. It has also affected quality, with excess water preventing proper coloration and increasing the incidence of browning of the skin."
Prices to approach $50
While the weather has been the main contributor of the slowdown in production, religious festivities in Mexico over the past week have also been a factor in the reduction of loads coming into the US. "Many workers have been staying at home to observe the religious festivities over the past week," Garrido noted. "This has meant that fewer workers are picking the fruit and also shipping it. However, Inverafrut works with contracts with trucking companies so we have not felt this as a company."
He added that with supplies tightening and demand still steady, the price for limes has been escalating since the start of the year and will remain very strong for the foreseeable future. "Prices have been between $40 - $45 per box in the United States, and even hit $46 this past week. We are predicting that it will climb slightly higher in the next week, but not sure if it will reach $50."
New brand and expanded facilities in the US
Inverafrut said it has this week introduced a new brand of limes to the US market, named after the owner's grandson. "Inverafrut has just launched a new brand named 'Dany Limes' in honor of the grandson of the owner, Adriana Melchor, who just turned 2 years old on Monday," Camacho said.
He continued by sharing that the company is working to increase its presence in the US, looking to take control of their own freight as well as enhance their distribution capacity. "Inverafrut is currently working to expand its facilities in the US. We are working on providing our own trucks and further develop our distribution capacity to better control the supply chain with the aim of providing a better experience for our customers."
For more information:
Herberts Camacho
Inverafrut USA LLC
Ph: +1 (956) 249-3046
herberts@inverafrut.com
www.inverafrut.com