Suppliers are reporting that the early garlic varieties in California are looking great, with excellent quality and yield. The later varieties however, appear to be less than desirable, with the warmer than average winter thought to have affected growing conditions.
"The California season has started very well, with the early varieties showing excellent quality and good yields," said garlic broker David Grimes. "In fact, it's one of the best crops we have seen in years. The late varieties though are not as nice as expected, with a greater proportion of side growth and off grades than usual. All growers in California seem to have been affected by the lack of cold weather during the winter. The effects of the variation between cooler and warmer weather during those months has become apparent in these later varieties."
Grimes further noted that organic garlic is doing well overall due to the lack of later varieties in this category, and hence the chance of lower quality. "With the organic crop doing well and the excellent start on the early varieties, we are not too displeased with how the season is going so far," he said.
Prices going down
With more growers in California reaching the peak of their production, prices are set to steadily decrease as more volume enters the market. Predictions for the storage crop are more difficult, and there is a possibility that stored product will be stretched across the season due to the expected poor quality on the later varieties.
"There are still a lot of imports around and prices are going down," Grimes observed. "As more abundant supply enters from California, growers will have to follow suit to move product. Typically, supplies can extend until April from cold storage. Growers do not prefer that, but this year it might be unavoidable because much of the late garlic will be lower grade."
Imports in transition
Not helping prices is the fact that both Spain and China are in the peak of their seasons. Despite rain causing issues in Spain, there appears to be no let up in supply. Mexico however, is approaching the end of their season. Strong demand there is giving California growers an opportunity.
"There are reports that Spain has had issues because of extremely wet weather, however we don't know what effect this has had on the garlic crop there," Grimes shared. "This is not expected to affect imports to the US though because Spain will likely send the same tonnage, keeping any lower grade product within the country for the domestic market."
"Mexicali was still shipping out product a couple of weeks ago, but their season will finish very shortly, if it hasn't already," he continued. "Mexico seems a little short in supply right now, and with the strong demand, California growers can sell some of their garlic to Mexico."
For more information:
David Grimes
David E. Grimes Company
Tel: +1 (559) 779-0295