US: Beet versatility offers potential for consumption growth
Tommy McCloskey from SunTerra Produce Traders, Inc. however was able to provide a good perspective on the beet market. For SunTerra, 99 percent of their beets are produced in Mexico, in the San Luis Rio area. The remaining one percent is produced in Oxnard (CA). Harvest peak time is now through the next few months, said McCloskey. In the US, beets are produced in different regions, but most competition for SunTerra is coming from Yuma (AZ) and Brawley (CA).
Beet prices have been consistent for the last month. Bunch beets run about $12 - $14 and 25 lb – no stems are about $9 - $10. McCloskey expects prices to go up to $12 - $16 for bunch beets as demand usually picks up in spring. Beets are very versatile as they can be roasted, steamed or boiled. As the weather becomes warmer, beets are often used in salads. In recent years, beet stems have also gained popularity as consumers like them sautéed.
Approximately half of SunTerra’s beet sales go to food retail and are sold by the bunch. Foodservice buys the remaining 50 percent, but prefers the 25 lb – no stem bags as they allow for easier roasting.
According to the USDA, the United States is a net exporter of beets with approximately 90 percent of exports going to Canada. Sunterra’s beets are mainly distributed across the United States.
For more information:
Tommy McCloskey
Sunterra Produce Traders, Inc.
tommy@sunterraonline.com
www.sunterraonline.com