The steady supply, Ratto notes, is despite the fact that the industry as a whole has been up and down in terms of supply, based on the rain levels seen this year.
Turning away from volatility
“I’ve seen fairly steady pricing for beets,” he says. “Prior to the last couple of months, there was a little more volatility in the market because of all the rain we’ve had and people weren’t able to get into the fields to plant. But I feel like the weather has been turning out pretty nicely and there’s an abundance of produce more readily available.” The market on a dozen beets right now is selling for approximately $10-$13. “About three weeks ago, it was a bit higher and in the past three weeks it’s come off and been a little price-friendlier.” Supply, he adds, will continue to stay healthy in the next few weeks ahead.
Meanwhile demand for beets has stayed even. “It’s a really steady item,” says Ratto who notes that each year on, he sees consumers adding things like beets and other fresh produce to their diets in order to eat healthier. “And in turn, chefs are getting more creative with how they’re presenting their ingredients in their meals,” he says.