By Kevin Hendricks, The Paper.
New Mexico’s signature crop is having a rough year, and that means chile lovers and the businesses that sell it should brace for tighter supply and higher prices this season.
The New Mexico Chile Association said Tuesday that unusually warm nighttime temperatures during the summer harvest stressed plants across the state. Fields produced a normal first pick, but many never recovered enough for the expected second harvest.
The association estimates supply shortfalls between 20% and 50%, depending on the product and supplier, with reduced availability hitting chile products “across the board.”
Suppliers are now combing through what’s left in the fields to figure out how much product they can actually deliver. The association is urging customers — from processors to restaurants — to talk directly with suppliers now, so shortages don’t catch anyone off guard later in the season.