By Zoila Palma: The Belize Marketing and Development Corporation (BMDC) has responded to recent news reports and social media discussions concerning the prices and quality of certain vegetables being sold at the Michael Finnegan Market, explaining that several external factors are contributing to current prices.
The BMDC said it currently sources fresh vegetable imports from Mexico and that prices are influenced by factors including fluctuations in the Mexican peso exchange rate.
“Last year, the exchange rate was approximately 8.5 Mexican pesos to BZ$1, while this year it is approximately 7.8 pesos to BZ$1,” BMDC explained, noting that the change directly affects the cost of purchasing and importing commodities from Mexico.
Climate conditions and changes in agricultural production are also contributing to increased costs, according to the BMDC. “Reduced production and supply, combined with increased demand, have resulted in higher acquisition costs in the Mexican vegetable market,” BMDC said.
It added that the BMDC imports vegetables based on orders from wholesalers in Belize and emphasized that “what happens to the vegetables after they leave the BMDC warehouse is beyond BMDC’s control.”
Regarding concerns about the quality of vegetables featured in recent reports and social media posts, the BMDC said the condition of products shown in an individual post does not necessarily reflect the quality of its weekly supply.
BMDC receives fresh vegetable shipments twice weekly, allowing it to replenish its stock regularly. “Certain vegetables are highly perishable and require proper refrigeration and handling throughout the supply chain,” the BMDC noted, adding that it continues to take steps to ensure products are properly stored and handled.
The BMDC said it understands consumers’ concerns about both prices and quality and remains committed to supplying essential food commodities at competitive prices.
The post Belize Marketing and Development Corporation says change in vegetable prices due to Mexican peso exchange rate appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The Belize Marketing and Development Corporation (BMDC) has responded to recent news reports and social media discussions concerning the prices and quality of certain vegetables being sold at the Michael Finnegan Market, explaining that several external factors are contributing to current prices. The BMDC said it currently sources fresh vegetable imports from
The post Belize Marketing and Development Corporation says change in vegetable prices due to Mexican peso exchange rate appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
