Despite the expected surge in sales ahead of Mother’s Day, flower vendors at Mérida markets reported a disappointing outcome due to competition from street sellers.
Vendors at Lucas de Gálvez and San Benito markets stated that they were displaced by street vendors who managed to sell their products to buyers looking for gifts for their mothers. The consequences were evident, as sales were low, and perishable flowers were left with little value, resulting in significant losses for the vendors.
The vendors claimed that many of these street sellers do not have a permit to sell flowers, and those who do have one were disproportionately affected by the competition. They called on authorities to take action to prevent such situations in the future, as everything invested is lost, creating difficulties for them.
In other areas of the market, prices are fluctuating due to various factors such as heat, logistics, and fears of financial losses. For example, seafood vendors are adjusting their operations due to the looming ice shortage, which has led to higher costs.
Prices in these areas have increased significantly, with fish fillet selling for $140 per kilo, shrimp for $250, octopus for $200, and dogfish for $90. However, not all prices have risen. Tomatoes, for instance, were priced at $12 last week but are now at $17.
On the other hand, some products have remained stable or decreased in price. Onions, which were selling for $18 last week, are now available for $10 per kilo. Potatoes and carrots have also seen a decrease in price, with potatoes selling for $20 and carrots for $15.
As for fruits, apples are selling for $28, mangoes for $15, sweet oranges for $10, and lemons for $20 per kilo. Chicken remains stable at $50 per kilo, while eggs are priced at $45 per kilo and $75 per carton.
Vendors attribute the stability in egg prices to a steady supply, unlike previous years marked by avian flu due to chicken slaughter and reduced production.
Pork products have also seen price increases, with ribs and ground beef selling for $125 per kilo. The heat is expected to continue affecting vendors, who are choosing to sell fresh produce to avoid waste and maintain quality in the face of challenging market conditions.
Source: Diario de Yucatan
