Prices for carrots from California have remained strong during the first month of the year. With extra demand coming from the Northeast, prices are expected to remain at current levels for the next few months.“Supplies are tight this year,” said Chris Smotherman of Kern Ridge Growers. “I don't think this is because of an overall increase in demand, there's just more domestic demand because of an early Canadian crop.” Smotherman pointed to adverse weather conditions as the reason why Canadian supplies will wrap up earlier than usual this year. That leaves a gap which retailers will look to California's growers to cover. With thinly-spread supplies, prices are likely to remain elevated.
“Prices are up by about 30 to 40 percent over last year,” said Smotherman. “I anticipate prices will go through the Imperial Valley season because that's when we have to haul the carrots up to Bakersfield to process them. That's a major cost we have to factor in, and I don't see supplies changing during that time.” On January 22, prices in the Kern District were between $13.00 and $14.50 for a sack of 48 one-pound film bags and between $16.00 and $18.40 for 50-pound sack of loose carrots.
For more information:
Chris Smotherman
Kern Ridge Growers
+1 661 854 3156