“Right now, we have a decent volume of eggplants and really nice quality coming out of Yucatán, Eastern Mexico”, said Dug Schwalls with Southern Valley. “In addition to Yucatán, we grow eggplants in three other regions, enabling us to supply our customers year-round”, Schwalls added. Around May 1st, production will shift to Georgia. In summer, when it is too hot in Georgia, Southern Valley grows eggplants in Tennessee and goes back to Georgia for the fall. During winter, all supplies are coming out of Yucatán. This time of the year, competition is coming from growing regions in Florida and Western Mexico.
Great demand
Demand is really good at the moment. “Traditionally, we are seeing great demand during Lent. People substitute eggplants for meat, resulting in our volumes going up”, said Schwalls. Lent started February 18 and ends April 2nd. Southern Valley’s eggplants are sold throughout the continental US and Canada.
Average prices
“Eggplant prices are middle of the road”, commented Schwalls. The Fancy variety runs $12 - $14 and Choices are between $8 and $10. Prices were about the same during this time last year. Southern Valley’s eggplants are sold as a loose item. They are PLU-stickered and tissue paper–wrapped from top to bottom. Southern Valley is a year-round grower and packer of eggplants and other vegetable items. The company is family-operated and handles whatever needs the customer has.
For more information:
Dug Schwalls
Southern Valley
Tel: (+1) 229-769-3676