As Florida gets ready for its leafy green season, it's expecting a strong start following weather-induced challenges in the West on leafy green supply. "We're getting a lot of calls for iceberg and romaine especially due to the quality out West," says Kevin Vander Voord with Ray's Heritage, adding that on top of that, the company anticipates stronger demand this season overall due to its growth as a company and gaining more customers.
© Ray's Heritage
While the state is still seven to 14 days out from harvesting leafy green items such as lettuces, kale, escarole, cilantro and more, including celery, that marks a slightly earlier start to the season. "There are going to be some gaps from some rain events that we had back in September and October. We started planting on time, maybe even a couple of days early, but we had to stop many times," says Ryan Roth of Ray's Heritage.
He notes that the last three weeks have seen optimal growing conditions which include some cool nights and some dry weather, though it's been largely overcast. "September 15th through October 15th has been sporadic. It's dry enough to plant for a few days and then we get two or three inches of rain; then have to stop for a week. The growing conditions have been difficult, but not impossible," Roth says, noting the company is growing in Belle Glade, Florida. The season runs from that area until the end of April though if weather conditions permit, it could go until the middle of May.
© Ray's Heritage
Better volume than last season
In all, Ray's Heritage is anticipating higher volume this year by between 10-15 percent. It's a welcome development following last year's leafy green growing season. "Last year was a poor season–there was a lack of demand and low prices," says Roth.
Part of that was due to the colder winter that was generally seen throughout the country in late 2024 into early 2025. "A lot of our stuff will go up north to the Carolinas and the Northeast. With the cold winter, not a lot of people were going out to stores or restaurants and demand was low," says Vander Voord. "That's where the pricing issue was so we're hoping the weather cooperates a little bit better with people going out more this year which creates higher demand and better prices."
© Ray's Heritage
Indeed, there are hopes for stronger pricing this season. "Last year was poor. Farmers want as much as possible for their crop but there is also some understanding that if it's too high, buyers will pull back," says Roth, adding that weaker pricing last season made it challenging for growers to pay for growing and shipping costs throughout the season.
For more information:
Kevin Vander Voord
Ryan Roth
Ray's Heritage
Tel: +1 (561) 996-7777
[email protected]
https://raysheritage.com/
