In 2017, Wisconsin is expected to produce 60% percent of the nation's cranberries, making it 23 years in a row as the number one producer.
In fact, we may be getting a little too good at it.
"Unfortunately our ability to produce them is growing at a rate higher than we're able to sell them," said Tom Lochner, Executive Director of the Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association.
2017's crop is little bit smaller than last year but overall, there has been an abundance problem and the demand needs to catch up. So, in the late 90's, a push began to find more markets.
"Before that, cranberries were pretty much just consumed here in the United States and a little bit in Canada," said Jessica Rezin, Manager at Cutler Cranberry Company. "We've really worked hard over the years to grow the demand for cranberries outside of our domestic market."
During a reverse trade mission at Cutler Cranberry Company's location in Camp Douglas, Wisconsin growers were looking to do just that, with 20 potential buyers from India and China. Those newer markets have a combined 2.7 billion people.
"Just the sheer number of people is one of the reasons," Rezin said. "...and the rate at which their economy is growing and expanding."
With potential for a new market size almost ten times that of the US, the right push could do more than just address an oversupply. It could turn an already billion dollar industry into something even more.
Source: wxow.com
