Supply of garlic is extremely tight at the moment. There is basically no product to import into the U.S. until Mexico starts up at the end of the month, followed by Spain in June. "Garlic is a very seasonal product, making it crucial to diversify our sourcing," says Habib ElAchkar of L.A. Garlic & Spice in Los Angeles, CA who brings in garlic from all over the world. Expectations for the Spanish season are good, but the volume coming in from the southern European country won't be able to meet the demand in the U.S. market," he added. Two years ago, in 2023, Spain lost a lot of garlic due to rains right after harvest when the garlic was drying on the ground. Weather permitting, the outlook for this season is much better.
Two years ago, Spanish garlic was affected by rains. The outlook for this season is much better.
Mexico
Closer to the middle or end of May, organic garlic harvest in Mexico will start whereas conventional garlic and the early spring variety are to be harvested in a week or two. "It's beautiful garlic, but the season is short, and demand will be very high," says Daniel Oliva with the company. While the start of the Mexican season will help alleviate the demand, the situation of short supply is expected to continue. "Many other countries witness high demand domestically and some countries we import from are concerned about that, not offering as much supply as before."
Sizing organic garlic from Mexico.
China
The shortage is also driven by China's absence in the U.S. market. "Chinese garlic is only offered in the United States from two companies," commented Oliva. "The current tariffs do not reflect any changes in pricing. Garlic is normally very volatile in price and availability since there are only two suppliers available duty free." Due to a shortage of supply, customers are looking into other options to avoid instability. Frozen has become a more popular alternative and non-Chinese garlic is being more commonly requested in orders or contract bids.
In general, China is also less favored by U.S. consumers. "Some retailers strictly take non-Chinese garlic." American consumers are averse to offers on garlic from China as they prefer to buy U.S. grown garlic. However, when that is not available, they tend to request non-Chinese garlic. There are many factors that play into this such as flavor profile, aesthetic appeal (white/purple), sizing availability (larger size preferred), pricing, and consistency of supply. "We are witnessing this with many retailers of different ethnicities that serve different communities and cultures. They often prefer the "exotic" garlic that is offered from other countries."
Garlic is a commodity that is very diverse and is utilized on pretty much every dish served - so there is no garlic variety that suits all dishes. Some customers purchase garlic for its uniformity in size and prefer the Chinese garlic while others for the flavor profile as the garlic from different regions can be more spicy (Peru) or more savory (Mexico and Argentina).
Garlic from Peru.
As a result of short supply, garlic prices are extremely high. "There is just no product available, and I believe current pricing is the highest we've ever seen. Despite the high prices, there continues to be demand for garlic. Customers may not want to have inventory, or they may look for cheaper alternatives, but garlic is not something that can just be left out of a recipe," Oliva commented.
Peru
Around August, Peru's garlic harvest will start with the first arrivals available in September. "Peru offers heavy supplies of high-quality garlic that are typically welcomed with high demand. They are known for the purple Morado variety. Argentina on the other hand offers a white and organic variety. While Chile offers very special and tasty garlic, supplies are way out.
More garlic from Peru.
For more information:
Daniel Oliva
L.A. Garlic & Spice
Cell: (1) 213-331-4800
Tel: +1 213-623-6022
[email protected]