Carrot supply from California is steady and expected to stay that way through September. "We are in a much better supply situation than this time last year," says Rob Giragosian of Kern Ridge Growers. "We are a little behind on harvesting, but not much now, less than a week. This was due to lighter demand out of Canada in the early pull and higher than anticipated yields. Canada has since been pulling consistently, and we are almost caught up on harvest."
Kern Ridge Growers is harvesting right now from its Bakersfield-area plantings. "The carrots have all been nice since starting back in Kern County. The size has been good, and yields have been keeping up with demand," says Giragosian.
© Kern Ridge Growers
The team from Kern Ridge Growers.
Demand and consumption of carrots
Meanwhile, the demand for carrots has been strong for the summer months, normally a time that sees a slight decline in demand for whole carrots and a big decline in baby carrot consumption. Though overall consumption is down about eight percent across the board, which is in line with the industry. "One of the biggest challenges is consistent movement–we are seeing larger than normal swings on movement week over week. This adds strain to harvesting and production," says Giragosian.
For the grower-shipper, what is helping both demand and consumption of carrots is its work in advancing its foodservice capabilities and adding new offerings, which now include carrot coins, chips, sticks, bias, shredded, and matchstick options.
So, where is all of this leaving pricing? It is down from this time last year, as the supply is more consistent, and that, in turn, is keeping prices steady. "Looking ahead, we should see our movement get us back on time with our harvest, which will ensure good quality carrots throughout the rest of this season," says Giragosian.
For more information:
Rob Giragosian
Kern Ridge Growers, LLC
Tel: +1 (661) 854-3156
[email protected]
https://kernridge.com/
