The sweet corn season out of Bainbridge, GA is in full swing. It started mid-May, and supply will continue through the middle of July. Despite two significant sweet corn holidays - Memorial Day and 4th of July - being celebrated during Georgia's season, the market has been a struggle so far. "Good weather conditions have resulted in great yields and combined with some additional acreage, the market is a little oversupplied," says Geoff Taft with Pioneer Growers. "Unfortunately, the Georgia deal has been tough from the start. There is just more supply than demand," he added.
Taft is hopeful the situation will turn around before the Georgia season ends. "If sweet corn from the northern regions ends up being delayed, Georgia may see a good market after July 4th and until our season finishes around July 20th." At the moment, Taft is hearing mixed stories about the northern regions. Some believe their sweet corn harvest will start on time while others think there may be a delay of a week to ten days as some regions are still fighting colder weather.
Tray pack lines in Florida and New York
Following the Georgia season, Pioneer has sweet corn summer deals in Indiana as well as a partnership in New York. New for the company this year will be the offering of tray packs out of New York. "We have them year-round out of Bell Glade, FL where we are currently also packing for our packaged corn program." The company is running five lines out of Bell Glade and considering moving one to New York for the season up north. "Having a tray pack line in New York has several benefits," said Taft. "First of all, we are saving on freight costs as we don't have to truck the corn from New York to Florida, which is a three-day trip. Additionally, our customers in the northern part of the country will receive a fresher product." Demand for tray packs continues to grow for convenience reasons.
For more information:
Geoff Taft
Pioneer Growers
Tel: +1 (561) 996-5211
[email protected]
www.pioneergrowers.com