It has been a rough year for broccoli growers as weather has plagued them since the beginning of the summer. "We grow and buy in many different districts, and the weather has just been erratic," says Vince Rosa with V&H Fresh. California has had the most consistent weather; it has been fairly comfortable and decent for growing. Mexico probably faced the worst conditions as the country received a lot of rain. In addition, heat caused the quality to be hit or miss. Fortunately, the situation is improving. Maine had a later start this season, but growing conditions and quality improved as the season progressed and temperatures lowered. Other growing regions for broccoli include New York, Pennsylvania, and Canada. All in all, most growing regions were faced with either rain, heat or insects, which made for a rough summer.
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Supply situation improving
As a result of improved growing conditions in Mexico, supply is increasing, taking a strain off the market. Supply out of California has been very tight, but the situation is improving as well as a result of nice weather. Supply out of New York and Pennsylvania has been steady and just enough to keep the market in check while volume out of Maine has been light but improving. "Overall, supply could be described as steady and sufficient to balance with demand," Rosa said.
As a result of tight supply, pricing is elevated. Broccoli from Mexico offers the best value at $18.00 - $22.00. These are the pricing levels out of the other main growing regions:
- California: $24.00 - $28.00
- New York and Pennsylvania: $ 22.00 - $24.00
- Maine: $20.00 - $24.00
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Rosa believes prices will ease as the weeks go on and supplies increase. "At this very moment, there isn't a whole lot of interest from retail, but I expect demand will get stronger after mid-to-late October when we start making the transition to the desert." In winter, domestic broccoli supply moves to Yuma, El Centro, Calexico and Holtville.
For more information:
Vince Rosa
V&H Fresh, LLC
Ph: +1 (918) 957-5053
[email protected]
www.vhfresh.com
