In recent days, the drop in Spanish peeled garlic sales in the U.S. market due to an oversupply of Chinese production, as well as strong competition from the same source in Europe, has put the garlic industry sector in a critical situation.
"The 2024/2025 season has so far been quite tough for the garlic sector," says a Spanish garlic grower and trader. "In recent days, Spanish peeled garlic sales have plummeted in the United States due to the massive influx of Chinese production."
Spanish peeled garlic shipments to the U.S. market were already under extra pressure from Mexican garlic up until October 2024, as heat waves in Mexico had an impact on fresh garlic production and more volumes went to the industry. "Now, the large Chinese supply is also gaining ground on the Mexican production, as well as those from other origins," says the grower.