More Brussels sprouts coming from Mexico each year

Suppliers have noted a gradual increase in the supply of Brussels sprouts coming from Mexico. Each year, more production occurs in Mexico which is resulting in lower market prices. Some are seeing this as a result in the overall growth of the category and predict that this trend will continue.

"This Brussels sprouts season has been a little different," said Eric Garcia of River Fresh Farms. "We have seen more supply coming in from Mexico and as a result, prices are cheaper than they have been in the past. Every year, more product is coming out of Mexico. This additional supply is an indication that the category is growing overall. We expect volume from Mexico to continue increasing in the future."

This increase in supply means that the availability of Brussels sprouts is becoming more stable. As a result the market is also expected to have fewer ups and downs than has been experienced in the past. Demand is also rising and many believe this is a good outcome for the category as more customers seek out the vegetable.

"It used to be harder to get Brussels sprouts on a consistent basis," Garcia noted. "It was not unusual for prices to be much higher at times, even as high as $50.00. More people keep asking for them, and the stability in the market along with additional supply is good for the category. Their image is improving and they are removing the stigma that many people still associate with Brussels Sprouts. Now we are seeing more people looking for the stalks, as well as observing a rise in value added products such as halves, shreds and microwaveable bags."

 

In the short term, supplies of Brussels sprouts have been affected by cooler weather in recent weeks which has slowed down production. The current growing region includes parts of Southern California, into Mexico as well as the desert region. Production had been ahead of schedule due to the very warm weather earlier in February. As a result, despite the current slowdown, the end of the current deal is expected to finish early. 

"Growers have been experiencing a lot of Winter weather these past 2 weeks, resulting in a slowdown in supply of Brussels sprouts," Garcia said. "There was also some rain in the growing regions which has contributed to the slowdown in production, as it has for many items. We expect a transition away from Yuma a little earlier this year, at the end of March, or early April." 

For more information:

Eric Garcia

Tel: +1 (831) 998-7072