The California corn supply is starting to decrease. “Things have been relatively steady through the 4th of July,” says Josh Jordan Sacramento, Ca.-based River City Produce. “But currently we’re seeing supplies start to lighten up as we get into the latter part of July. You’ll see the California corn season go strong through to Labor Day and at that point, a lot of retailers start switching to fall display items.” Jordan adds that volume has been consistent with years prior though and remains steady. What continues to change, notes Jordan, is demand for corn. “The last couple of years it’s been very strong demand in foodservice for fresh corn—they’re using it in relishes, corn on the cob, salads,” he says. “In years past they’ve used canned corn and so now we get more foodservice demand for corn.”
Turning to organics
Jordan also sees an increase in demand for organic corn. “It’s more difficult to control pests in organic corn the same way that conventional corn is grown. It’s a lot more susceptible to pest invasion,” Jordan says. “As the organic marketplace continues to take root, organic corn remains a challenge.”
For the next few weeks, Jordan anticipates seeing corn supplies thin out. “Then you’ll see a surge of supply come for the latter part of August and it’ll gear up for Labor Day and that’ll mark the start of the wrap up of the season,” he says. “A lot of California growers will be finished completely after Labor Day and you’ll start seeing the supply and demand decrease as we get to the end of the year.”
For more information:
Josh Jordan
River City Produce
Tel: +1- 916-442-6595
josh@rivercityproduce.net