Florida's spring corn season looks set to see steady volume and good quality. Suppliers are expecting the season to be on time this year after generally good growing conditions during the first few months of the year. According to Brett Bergmann of Hugh Branch, corn is available out of Florida from November, however the spring crop sees the peak of volume, thanks to more acreage and better weather.
"The corn harvest occurs all year in various regions, and we have had Florida corn since November," he said. "The spring season however, is special, as it is the peak season and when the plant wants to grow. Planting is done during a time of increasing sunlight and warmth. Volume looks good this year as does the quality so we expect to see some good promotable supplies on all varieties - yellow, white and bi-color for the season."
Spring also a time of higher demand
While spring delivers those warmer temperatures and longer days that Florida corn thrives in, it is also a period when consumers begin purchasing more corn. Demand increases with the temperature and with Florida being one of the first domestic corn crops available for the year, demand for locally-grown product is one factor that boosts consumption.
"Another reason for the peak in volume is that growers plant based on demand," Bergmann noted. "The market outlook for the spring crop looks very much the same as last year, and we anticipate good support from retailers with ads to promote the Florida crop."
He added that demand for bi-color corn is strongest during spring. "The acreage allocated to different varieties is based on expected demand. For example, the demand for bi-color corn is higher in spring. People buy with their eyes and therefore this variety has been growing in popularity for the past 30 years."
Moving towards recyclable packaging
Hugh Branch has been increasing its packaging options over the past few years. While this year, the company isn't launching anything new in this category, it has noticed the consumer trend for more environmentally responsible packaging.
"We have introduced various new things over the past few years and this year we are focusing on moving steady volumes using the packaging we have," Bergmann shared. "There has been an increase in demand for our white recyclable plastic boxes as the interest in these types of packaging increases."
For more information:
Brett Bergmann
Hugh Branch
Ph: +1 (561) 996-6500
brett@hughbranch.com
www.hughbranch.com