Supplies of garlic are abundant right now as a number of regions are in a transition phase and as a result, the market is very low. The vast majority of garlic supply to the US market is imported, mainly from Spain and China at this time of year. Spain, however is finishing their crop soon, to be replaced by Mexican garlic.
"The garlic market is very cheap right now as all regions are experiencing a big crop," said Clara Shih of Best Buy Produce. "Spain has almost reached the end of its season and growers there are trying to get rid of their remaining supply. Europe has had a cold winter and they're about one month behind in production. Supplies are also coming out of Argentina right now and Mexico is due to start shortly. China has started with the Yunnan crop, which will gradually transition north to Shandong by next month."
Each region has its own profile
Whether a company supplies fresh garlic or peeled garlic may determine what variety they prefer. The majority of regions grow the Chinese seed garlic, the most common, white bulbous type. California grows two main varieties, an earlier and a later one.
"The majority of Spanish garlic, is in fact Chinese seed," explained Shih. "Mexico traditionally grows Chinese seed garlic in Mexicali. However, they have for the past five to ten years started to grow early California white garlic and late garlic. Mexico has also very good purple garlic but that is really good quality and a bit expensive for the American market. In California, the early season garlic is generally larger sized, and so is more suitable for the fresh market. Conversely, the later season variety is smaller and better for processing because it's easier to peel."
Shih noted that garlic grown in China also tends to be smaller, owing to the limited land area available for growing. "Land is very expensive in China, and as a result, growers plant closer together to utilize as much acreage as possible," she said. "This actually means there is still a huge export market potential for any crop that requires significant land area, as they are less likely to grow it due to the high cost of land."
Bringing back peeled garlic production to New Jersey
Despite being based in California, Best Buy Produce have recently restarted peeled garlic production in their New Jersey facility after a lengthy absence. According to Shih, there is now a good market for peeled garlic, particularly in the US where prepared foods have a preferred standing when compared with other countries. She also cited the freshness advantage of being able to supply peeled garlic locally.
"Best Buy Produce has recently restarted peeling garlic in New Jersey after 15 years," she said. "We purchased new equipment and reopened the line. A lot of what we produce is sold to the foodservice industry. The US market, in general, tends to purchase more prepared fresh produce than in other countries like Spain for instance, where they opt for fresh garlic. Additionally, imported peeled garlic can take weeks to arrive on the shelves in the US, and more people are aware of sourcing products locally for freshness. And this is what we have experienced from the feedback from our customers who notice the freshness and flavor."
For more information:
Clara Shih
Best Buy Produce
Tel: +1 (323) 262-8888