Supplies are slim on Brussels sprouts coming out of Mexico this season.
“I’ve started this week because I have a small volume deal out of Mexico and the market is tight,” says one California shipper. “Last year was a disaster. The markets were horrible so this year I think people planted less and the weather has also been cold down there. I’ve started later because the weather’s been cold. Overall, there’s just much less supply this year.”
Some shippers start the winter deal on Brussels sprouts in early December and go until late April.
Cold weather effects
While the cold weather that Mexico has experienced has caused a delay on supplies, it doesn’t seem to have affected quality. “I think the quality is fine,” he says. “Brussels sprouts are not affected by cold weather or even a very light frost. As a matter of fact, when it’s cold like it has been, it keeps the insect pressure down. There’s a little bit of a benefit if anything.” He notes that oftentimes, as with green cabbage, cold weather causes a light purple cosmetic blush on the sprouts.
Meanwhile demand is good as well as steady on the short-supplied vegetable. “I’m hearing that prices are $30-$35, probably more in the higher range,” he says.