Soaring beef and milk prices are bad enough. But the latest commodity crisis has taken a nasty turn, hitting the restaurant industry and consumers where it hurts: margaritas.
A political flap over limes in Mexico, combined with crop damage, has triggered surging prices for the popular garnish and cocktail ingredient. In Southern California, the shortage is hurting produce suppliers and bars the hardest as prices have soared to an unprecedented $100 per case, up from an average of $14.
“The prices are insane,” said Dave Samuels of Ingardia Bros. Produce in Santa Ana.
While restaurants and bars are swallowing the costs to keep margaritas and other cocktails on the table, some supermarkets are passing off the cost increase to shoppers. Others are keeping supplies scarce.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: Orange County Register
