Weather issues in Florida have caused supplies of red cello radishes from the state to dip. But while supplies are low right now, the elastic nature of demand for the commodity has ensured prices haven't increased significantly.“The red cello radish is a commodity that doesn't change a lot,” said Jeff Walker of TC Marketing. “So, right now, the market has strengthened by a dollar or two, but it's not like the market for tomatoes or peppers, where you might see high prices for a box. It's a commodity that wholesalers and consumers will just not buy if it's too expensive.” For that reason, the market doesn't fluctuate, and despite dips in production from Florida, prices have remained stable.
“Volumes are below normal in Florida because the weather went from winter to summer,” said Walker. “We had a pretty good season up until mid-April, when it went straight to summer. It can get too hot for the product to where it doesn't grow properly.” In addition to the heat, thunderstorms can wash away soil cover and expose a larger part of the plant to the effects of the hot sun. Alternating dry, hot and stormy conditions could, in such a scenario, lead to product defects like sunburn.
“We'll transition to Ohio around Memorial Day,” said Walker. “Then we'll ship from Ohio until the first of November and then switch back to Florida.”
For more information:
Jeff Walker
TC Marketing
+1 419 592 1000