US(CA): Chinese cabbage in midst of “hot” market

California growers of Chinese cabbage are reporting strong market conditions this January, as consistent demand and depressed supplies have driven prices to exceptional heights.

“It’s a very hot market,” says Pete Aiello of Uesugi Farms, based out of Gilroy, CA. “Supply is very tight, so of course prices are high.”

Aiello says that the California market for Chinese cabbage has been consistently strong for the past nine months, as supply levels have been depressed since the start of the 2015 summer season. 

“This year, supply has been historically low – probably the shortest that I’ve ever seen it,” says Aiello. Prices, as a result, have been “the highest I’ve ever seen,” according to Aiello, who adds that the market “was high all year,” with prices reaching over $50.00 at times.

Uesugi, which grows its Chinese cabbage in the Santa Clara Valley during the April to Thanksgiving summer season, was able to take advantage of this strong pricing. “It was an amazing season for Napa if you had any to sell,” says Aiello. “We had the perfect storm of good production and high prices.”

According to Aiello, the tight market on Chinese cabbage continued after the switch to southern production in November. Aiello believes that weather conditions are likely to blame for the current shortage. “We’ve had some weather issues in Southern California, and they were hit in Yuma and Northern Mexico as well.”

Aiello adds that the shortage has been complicated by strong demand, which is typical of this time of year. “We have a very popular Chinese holiday coming up – Chinese New Year – so you’re going to see some heavy pulls.”

Aiello notes that, unlike many other suppliers, his company has seen consistent supply from its winter season partner, a grower based out of Holtville, CA. Because of this, Uesugi has continued to benefit from the market’s sustained high prices. Aiello says that prices have been abnormally high in January and adds that he expects this trend will continue until at least April, when north California production resumes.

For more information:

Pete Aiello

Tel: +1 (408) 842-1294+1 (408) 842-1294