California has seen a summer of more moderate temperatures and fewer sustained high heat days–a welcome development this summer that, in turn, has produced fairly plentiful but also particularly good quality crops. However, demand hasn't always matched the supply that has been available. "It's just been very quiet," says Frank Ratto of Ratto Bros Inc. " Demand has been light in the summer, and the winter demand was also light. We've maintained our customers, but they're not buying as much in general."
© Ratto Bros
While it's difficult to pinpoint a particular reason as to why demand has been light–it could be everything from tariff issues to an economy that's stable but not robust–it's a noticeable development this year amongst many growers and shippers. "We're not sure if people have gone to alternative sources for produce and fruit, such as canned or frozen? We just know that demand has been light and people are really discerning where they spend their extra money," says Ratto.
Fall 2025 plans
In turn, pricing has largely stayed stable over the last nine months, with few, if any, fluctuations. However, with fall almost here and kids already back in school in the U.S., there is some optimism around movement. "People are still pulling on great-quality product and we hope it will pick up in the fall," says Ratto, adding that it plants to its contracts but also with a bit of extra acreage.
© Ratto Bros
He also notes it is seeing increased activity on its value-added greens line, which includes collard and mustard greens, kales, and more. The company is also coming out with an organic line extension on its value-added line and will be shipping organic baby spinach, Tuscan kale, and collard greens in the fall.
In the meantime, as some of its summer crops such as onions and garlic finish up, Ratto Bros. is focused on the fact that going into the fall, it has good supply of beets, Italian and curly parsley, southern greens including collard, mustard, turnips, kales, Asian vegetables, cooking greens, and leaf lettuces. "Right now is also a really busy time for us planting for the holidays," says Ratto. "We're preparing the ground as quickly as possible after our summer crops for fall crops, which, for the leafy green business, is our Super Bowl, because the holidays are big eating holidays for friends and families."
For more information:
Frank Ratto
Ratto Bros. Inc.
Tel: +1(209) 545-7575
[email protected]
www.rattobros.com
