Cucumber production in Baja California is at a low point as the peak of summer passes. Growers expect though to see a steady increase again from early fall. Overall conditions have been very good and quality is reportedly excellent.

"Our cucumber season has been going since March and it extends through to December," shared Tony Mandel of Pinos Produce in San Diego. "We are entering our lighter period of the season, before ramping back up for our fall crop. We also have Roma tomatoes that begin in April, Round tomatoes from May, and then the rest from June."

Excellent demand fuels strong market
With Baja slowing down and a number of other regions also easing back on production during the summer months, the cucumber market has been seeing very strong demand. Prices are high, especially in the West. Mandel also noted the strong demand during the summer months and is predicting the market to remain strong until fall.

"We are seeing excellent demand along with limited supply," he said. "There is typically good demand during the summer. Generally, the market starts to come off in the fall because more regions start to come online. So we are expecting a similar situation this season."

Excellent quality
The good growing conditions have contributed to the excellent quality cucumbers suppliers are seeing coming through the market recently. Additionally, careful handling practices are aimed at upholding that good quality all the way through to the customer.

"We believe we grow the best cucumbers in the region," Mandel explained. "This is helping to secure excellent demand. The cucumbers are grown indoors and are all staked and poled. Pinos Produce ships produce all over the United States and Canada. For cucumbers we have a 1 1/9 bushel carton, a 36ct half carton, and also small boxes of 24s."