SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- San Diego’s largest wholesale produce supplier says local restaurants would feel the effects of a possible border shutdown.
Specialty Produce delivers to more than 700 San Diego restaurants and hotels seven days a week.
40 to 50 percent of the company’s produce comes from Mexico. If supplies aren’t available, prices will go up, according to owner Bob Harrington.
“It’s a really bad idea really bad not to trade with Mexico,” Harrington says.
Harrington sells 1,200 pounds of Mexican-grown basil a week in San Diego. If he bought the herb in the United States, the price would double.
The cost of pineapples would go up 40 percent, Harrington estimates. Items like cucumbers, Roma tomatoes, strawberries, asparagus, and limes would be difficult to find without enough supply to meet the demand.
“You won't get fresh limes at restaurants anymore. When you go get margarita you won't have a fresh lime in it.”
“It may push restaurants over the edge. A lot of small businesses may find themselves over edge,” says Harrington.
Harrington told 10News California is just getting into its avocado season, so there are supplies, but they would be more expensive with if the border closes.
