At the moment, the majority of garlic available in North America comes from California and China. Additionally, supply from Argentina has just started to arrive says Jim Provost from i Love Produce. China’s garlic production is about normal this year or maybe five percent less than normal. However, prices of China garlic are a little higher than usual as US Customs and Border Patrol has been strongly enforcing an anti-dumping law and is closely looking at Chinese companies who enter garlic into the US market. As a result of this regulatory measure, less garlic from China is entering the US market. Prices for garlic from California and Argentina are a bit higher as well. California garlic shows lower yields this year while Argentina is dealing with a slightly lower acreage. Overall, global supply is a bit lower, but there is enough garlic available to meet demand. With consumption of garlic being stable and firm, the market is in balance.
The table below compares this year’s white garlic prices to last year’s:
| Production region | Price 02/06/2014 for 30 lb carton | Price 02/06/2015 for 30 lb carton |
| California super col | $60 - $65 | $80 |
| China netted 5s 55-60 mm/5.5-6.0 cm | $32 - $35 | $36 - $38 |
| Argentina#7 | $70 | $70 |
In the US, consumers primarily ask for white garlic. Black garlic is the latest introduction and it is produced through a fermentation process, but it captures less than one percent of the market. i Love Produce wants to offer its customers everything garlic and therefore also offers black and purple garlic. Some of the company’s Asian and Hispanic customers prefer purple garlic over white says Mr. Provost.
The main challenges for the US garlic market are availability of water and labor. Garlic is a labor intensive crop and there is an increased shortage of labor. In addition, water in the form of rain and snow pack, is needed to secure ground future garlic production. In the next few years, California garlic acreage will largely depend on how labor and water issues transpire.
For more information:
Jim Provost
i Love Produce
jim@iLoveProduce.com
www.iLoveProduce.com
