Steady production of beets from California this summer have contributed to a stable market. Demand has been good, with popularity among consumers growing over the last several years. Pricing is not expected to increase until supplies ease up in the winter months.
“Volume of beets is great right now,” said Matt Hiltner with Babe Farms in Santa Maria, California. “This time of year is when supplies are best. Our baby beets are available year round with a peak in the summer months. Larger sizes are mostly available April through October, with limited availability through the winter months.”
Demand has been fairly good and the market steady. On August 23, prices for a carton of red bunched type 12s from California were between $9.55 and $12.55.
“Prices have been fairly steady throughout the summer,” noted Hiltner. “Expect to see more fluctuation toward the winter months. It seems the market will be trending upwards going into the fall and winter months.”
Babe Farms carries red, gold and striped beets in various sizes, and there are additional varieties and sizes available in the market throughout the year. That's, in part, a testament to the growing popularity of the item. Hiltner noted that the beet continues to be one of Babe Farms' best selling products.
“Beets have definitely been growing in popularity,” he said. “One reason is the convenience they offer to chefs. “Beets are versatile and have many applications; they can be pickled, roasted, sautéed, juiced, dried, powdered, or even served raw. Also, social media is a useful tool in getting recipes out to the masses. If end users see the finished product, they are more likely to try beets, recreate the recipe, or come up with their own dish.”
For more information:
Ande Manos
Babe Farms
+1 805 925 4144