“Winter squash comes in staples and specialty items, but staples are our focus”, says Jeremy Lane with Baloian Farms. “We sell the Acorn, Spaghetti, Butternut and Kabocha varieties. We try to be creative and are looking for new ways to empower retailers to merchandise winter squash on the floor. Our latest introduction is a ‘high graphic bin’. It is a combination of Acorn, Spaghetti and Butternut squash in one package with a picture and the name of each variety on the box.”
Butternut variety gaining popularity
Out of the four different varieties that Baloian Farms markets, Butternut squash is gaining popularity fast. It is mostly used in soups, but it also tastes very good in salads, after being grilled and seasoned. Spaghetti squash consumption usually spikes in Spring when the consumer transitions from cooking soups to preparing pasta dishes.
Winter squash supply is very light this time of the year as Mexico is winding down and it is too early for California production. “We are about a month away from transition. Mexico’s harvest peaks from late November until January. The domestic California season starts late Spring and runs through early Fall. During those times, we have very steady supplies”, said Lane. “Right now, supplies are just enough to meet demand. However, there is not enough availability to run a retail promotion. Prices are usually higher right before transition. At the moment, a carton runs at $25 while the average price during season is $12-$14.”
More competition during summer monthsDuring the California season, other US states come into production as well and competition increasing. “As with many other vegetable varieties, production heads north as the season progresses”, Lane said. “The East Coast starts with Florida, followed by Georgia and the Carolinas. For us, we start in the Coachella Valley and move north to Bakersfield and Fresno. Hopefully, Fresno can give us enough supplies until early Fall”, finished Lane.
For more information:
Jeremy Lane
Baloian Farms
Tel: +1 559-264-3427