The cauliflower market is red hot right now as supplies are heavily strained as the result of some planting gaps. Most of the cauliflower for the US market is now centered along the California coast, with only minimal volume from Mexico. However, the region experienced heavy rainfall in late winter in parallel with cooler than normal temperatures which hampered planting efforts, the effects of which are now being felt.
"Most of the cauliflower production is now in Santa Maria and Salinas," said Kevin Jordan of Adam Bros. Produce Sales. "Supplies are extremely short right now due to the excessive rains California experienced in January and February. This has resulted in planting gaps and is affecting most commodities, but especially cauliflower and broccoli."
Prices have tripled in two weeks
Growers have reported generally higher prices on most commodities grown in California in response to the shortage of vegetables, but cauliflower prices have witnessed some of the highest increases, with a tripling of open market prices in the space of just a couple of weeks. The planting gaps were spread out over a few weeks, so it's unlikely there will be any relief in the short term.
"Cauliflower prices are currently in the mid to high $30s," Jordan observed. "Two weeks ago, we were seeing prices between $8 - $10. Prices for broccoli crowns are currently in the low $20s. Other products like lettuce also rose but not as sharply and have since eased. However, we may see lettuce gap again during the week of May 12. For cauliflower, we expect supplies to be short for the whole month of May."
Consumers largely turning to summer vegetables
Jordan added that the price rise on cauliflower and broccoli can primarily be attributed to short supplies as consumers begin turning to summer vegetables. "There is demand, but the market at the moment is more supply driven. We are seeing an increase in demand for other vegetables such as corn and leafy greens."
The weather in California has remained persistently cool since the cauliflower season began in Santa Maria about a month ago. Day time temperatures are set to remain in the mid to high 60s over the next week. "Overall, we have experienced cooler weather for most of the season here in Santa Maria," Jordan noted. "On Thursday we reached 72 degrees which was the warmest it's been for some time."
For more information:
Kevin Jordan
Adam Bros. Produce Sales, Inc.
Ph: +1 (805) 343-2000
kevin@adambros.com
www.adambros.com