Demand this year for root vegetables ahead of Thanksgiving looked a little different on two items. "Demand for radish was slightly down versus last year, though that may be because last year was a struggle of a growing year for radish in Michigan," says Jordan Vande Guchte of Superior Sales, adding that the company did start shipping a new specialty radish item this season, the Watermelon radish. "Also, leek demand is up and I also don't know how much of that is end consumer demand. On the West Coast, the leek market has been holding quite high and some of that has to do with the rains and trying to go through and get to harvest as well as the holiday push."
© Superior SalesLeek demand has been stronger recently.
That said, the company grows leeks largely for a partnership with a local retailer with the remaining volume heading to the open market.
Generally, demand is steady and elevated on a number of root vegetable items–Superior Sales carries beets, parsnips, turnips, radishes, carrots, rutabagas and celery root, all of which are offered year-round. Supply comes from Michigan, though if a gap is anticipated, the company will turn to other growing regions to source product and ensure supply will stay consistent. However radishes just finished up in the state and off-season supply is sourced from Arizona.
© Superior SalesWatermelon radish is a new item the company is carrying.
Leek and beet volume developments
Meanwhile, the volume looks similar on root vegetable items compared to last year. "However beet and leek volume are different," says Vande Guchte, noting that pricing sees few fluctuations on root vegetable items. "The beet crop last year was extremely abundant. This year the yields you know were down–nothing to panic about but they just did not hit that huge flush and now we're seeing more of a typical harvest."
© Superior SalesDemand is steady for a number of root vegetable items, including carrots.
Looking ahead, in a year where the industry continues to report that demand on a number of commodities seems to be on the softer side, root vegetable demand will likely be stronger for the rest of the holiday season. "On demand, Thanksgiving is indeed our Super Bowl but Christmas is a close second," he adds, noting that as temperatures get colder, often root vegetables get sweeter and consumers may also recognize that it's peak flavor season on these items.
For more information:
Jordan Vande Guchte
Superior Sales
Tel: 1-616-896-6500 Ext. #110
[email protected]
https://www.superior-sales.com/
