The Peruvian sweet onion season is close to finishing up, as growers are seeing the last of the supply come through. It will then transition to the Mexico season, where weather has been on the cooler side, but otherwise well set for a smooth transition. Suppliers are expecting a good supply of Mexico product.
"We will have Peru sweet onions for the next 2 weeks," said Jeff Rhoden of Bland Farms. "Supplies there are dwindling down now and we will then start our Mexican program immediately afterwards, therefore enjoying a smooth transition. The growing conditions in Mexico have been very good, producing an excellent crop. The weather has been a little cooler recently slowing maturity down just slightly. However, overall we are projecting a good, consistent supply of product out of Mexico.
The sweet onion market out of Peru remains steady with prices around the $18.00 - $19.00 range.
Mexico sweet onions ready for harvest
Lil O's receive positive feedback
Last year, Bland Farms launched a new sweet onion line called 'Lil O's'. These onions are gourmet mini sweet onions which the company plans to offer year round. Rhoden noted that they have so far received a positive response to the line, and are anticipating a strong year once the Vidalia season commences in a few months.
"Grown from the same seeds as their large sweet onions, Lil’ O’s are miniature gourmet onions cultivated with the same hand-grown care and craftsmanship that go into every Bland Farms product," he said. "Lil’ O’s allow us to utilize every onion grown in our fields and they provide a perfect all-purpose onion that’s delicious and convenient. They are the perfect size for individual use, such as salad toppers, burger toppers, etc. This variety is available all year and retailers have the choice of a DRC or stand-alone shipper Since our launch, the response and interest level has been very good so far. Most retailers are very excited about the potential of the item especially for the upcoming Vidalia season."
Southern Exposure attendance
Bland Farms will also be attending Southern Exposure this year, as they have done many times previously. The company sees the show as a great opportunity to more closely connect with customers. They acknowledged that this particular show's advantage is the ideal size. Big enough to attract sufficient number of attendees, while being small enough to focus on more detailed contact.
"We exhibit at Southern Exposure every year," Rhoden said. "This is an excellent way to visit with our customers on a smaller scale with an intimate setting. Southern Exposure is a great show. It is well organized, with a limited number of booth spaces available and an excellent turnout of retailers, wholesalers and customers from all over."
Visit Bland Farms at Booth 434.
For more information:
Jeff Rhoden
Bland Farms
Tel: +1 (800) 354-1240