Savoy cabbage demand outpaces red cabbage by far

The mild coastal climate of the Santa Maria Valley in California offers cabbage growers a year-round growing season. “We harvest our red and savoy cabbage the entire year,” says Ande Manos, with Babe Farms. In the warmer spring/summer months, it takes approximately 125 days from seed to harvest and in fall/winter, this number goes up to 165 days. This time of the year, competition comes from local growers in California’s Central Valley, as well as from growers in the eastern part of the US, in Georgia and New Jersey.

While there is decent volume coming out of the eastern US and various other growing regions, it has been reported that some California growers are experiencing intense pest pressure from the destructive Diamondback moth. As a result, supplies are tightening up in the west, pushing current prices upward. According to the USDA, the average price of red cabbage out of California was $21.30/45 lb. carton on October 29 while savoy cabbage recorded $25.25. 

Demand for cabbage is gradually going up in the weeks leading up to the holidays. “The Thanksgiving holiday as well as St. Patrick’s Day are typically our peak time for demand,” said Manos. Demand for savoy cabbage outpaces red cabbage by far. Savoy’s texture, sweeter flavor profile and decoratively wrinkled leaves, adds to its favorability amongst processors and consumers. Cabbage consumption in general is trending up as the vegetable is commonly used in many varieties of retail chop salads. Brassica’s in general are very popular with consumers as well as within foodservice these days.

In recent years, smaller, convenience-type of specialty cabbages have entered the market. “These specialty cabbages do hold their niche in the market place,” mentioned Manos. However, the pricing between a specialty variety and a conventional type is quite different. Specialty cabbages demand a higher mark-up at retail, while common varieties are available at a lower price-point. “As a result, traditional cabbage has been able to hold its share in the market.”

For more information:

Ande Manos

Tel: (+1) 805-925-4144