João Pessoa markets report green‑corn price surge ahead of São João celebrations

Public markets and free‑standing fairs in João Pessoa, Brazil, are seeing a sharp rise in the price of green corn as the June São João festivities approach. According to the municipal consumer protection agency (Procon‑JP), a “hand” of 52 ears without husk now costs between R$ 50 and R$ 100, while the same quantity with husk is about R$ 30 cheaper. Vendors attribute the higher costs to delayed local harvests caused by recent rains, forcing them to source corn from other parts of Pernambuco. Long‑time sellers such as José Alves, Vanda Inalva Pereira and Simone do Nascimento note that prices were around R$ 40 a hand a year ago. Many traders are accepting credit‑card payments to boost sales. The city’s Secretariat of Urban Development (Sedurb) will host the 10th Corn Festival from 20‑23 June at the Central Family Farming Market, offering additional purchasing options ahead of the holiday.