Green Bell Pepper Prices Have Remained High
Supply shortages from hurricane damage and seasonal transitions have impacted retail pricing for shoppers.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Organic Food
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Green bell pepper costs have held steady between $22 and $24 as production volume has decreased across major growing regions. These supply challenges are expected to persist until seasonal shifts in harvest locations begin later this year.
Why it matters
Hurricane activity in Georgia and northern Florida significantly hindered domestic production, while flat demand has kept market pricing consistent despite these limited supplies. Shoppers may continue to see these elevated prices until regional shifts balance the market.
Current market reports indicate that green bell pepper pricing ranges from $22 to $24, while red, yellow, and orange varieties remain priced between $8 and $12. The underlying supply shortage is attributed to reduced yields in Georgia, Florida, and California, with full market recovery dependent on mid-December harvest starts in Mexico.
The players
Georgia Department of Agriculture
The state agency responsible for overseeing agricultural recovery and monitoring production impacts from hurricane activity.
The details
The shortage stems from weather-related damage to crops in Georgia and northern Florida, coupled with the seasonal winding down of production areas in California. While demand for all bell peppers remains flat, supply is being supplemented by new greenhouse production in Colombia, Honduras, and Guatemala, with imports arriving via the Port of Miami. Colored bell pepper supplies remain separate from these green-market constraints, having experienced limited import volume from the Netherlands earlier this year.
Timeline
California production areas will wind down for the season in October 2026.
Ontario, Canada will see an increase in bell pepper volume the week of October 19, 2026.
Mexican green bell pepper production is expected to fully start by mid-December 2026.
Health Landscape
This disruption follows a pattern set by the historical USDA bell pepper seasonal production cycle, where regional weather events dictate availability shifts. As production moves toward Mexican greenhouse sources, the market demonstrates how international reliance compensates for domestic climate-related volatility.
If you notice high costs for green peppers, consider substituting with red, yellow, or orange varieties, which are currently priced significantly lower between $8 and $12. Tracking regional availability at your local grocer can help you manage your food budget until supply increases in December.
The takeaway
Current green bell pepper prices are driven by weather-related supply deficits that are expected to last through late fall. Keep an eye on local grocery fliers for price drops as harvests from Canada and Mexico enter the distribution chain by the end of the year.
Further reading
Learn more about seasonal produce availability and sourcing in our Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Freshplaza.
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