Despite early-season setbacks in growing, the Vidalia Sweet Onion crop has rebounded well. "This season certainly brought its share of challenges. We saw colder temperatures than usual, and even a rare dusting of snow in February—a sight you don't often associate with Vidalia Sweet Onions," said Troy Bland, CEO of Bland Farms. "While this year's crop will be slightly smaller in size and volume due to cooler, wetter conditions during the growing season, we're still anticipating a strong harvest. It's shaping up to be a solid season, well in line with what we typically expect from a typical Vidalia season."
That is a different picture from last year's harvest which produced an unusually large Vidalia Sweet Onion crop that shipped into October–something that doesn't happen often. This year though the supply is anticipated to wrap up around Labor Day and after that, the supply transitions to the company's Premium Sweet Onions from Peru.
Troy Bland says that while this year's crop will be slightly smaller in size and volume due to cooler, wetter conditions during the growing season, it is still anticipating a strong harvest.
As for the timing, the date for the harvest hasn't been announced yet–each year, that date is determined by the Georgia Agriculture Commission and the Vidalia Onion Committee and is based on crop maturity. However, it's expected that the date will be around mid-April.
Right now, Bland Farms is sourcing its Premium Sweet Onions from its farms in Mexico. "That supply will carry us through the Vidalia season, which runs until August, and then we'll make the shift to our trusted growers in Peru. We've been working with the same growers in Peru for over 28 years, and that consistency allows us to deliver the high-quality sweet onions our customers expect," says Bland.
Georgia and other growing regions
After all, as it is with most growers, Mother Nature is the biggest challenge. "We can't control the weather, and that's a major factor in our business. Cold snaps, excessive rainfall—it all impacts the crop," says Bland, adding that Georgia gets about 60 inches of rain a year, which creates challenges like fungus and bacteria affecting the tops of the onions. "That's one of the reasons why growing in Peru is so much more predictable. The dry climate there allows us to use drip irrigation, giving the onions exactly the amount of water they need without the risk of excess moisture."
As for demand, Vidalia Sweet Onions generally have strong demand because of, in part, their versatility and signature mild sweetness. That strong demand is also what led to Bland Farms expanding its offerings beyond the traditional Vidalia season and grow onions in both Peru and Mexico.
Delbert Bland in a field of Peruvian sweet onions.
"Demand for sweet onions continues to grow, and we don't see that trend slowing down," says Bland. "Consumers are becoming more adventurous in the kitchen, and they're looking for fresh, high-quality ingredients that enhance their meals."
What is also growing is the company's organic program. While it began as a single load per week from Peru, it's now expanded into four loads per week. "We've noticed that same trend with our Vidalias as well. We'll continue to increase our acreage to keep up with this demand. The other trend we have noticed is a demand for bagged over bulked packaging," says Bland.
New technology in the field
This season's organic program will also see the introduction of laser weeders to the organic Vidalia Sweet Onion fields. "These units eliminate weeds more efficiently, reduce labor costs, and promote healthier plant growth. It's another step in our ongoing commitment to sustainability, which is at the core of everything we do," says Bland.
As for pricing, it's expected to be stable and in line with last year. Given the combination of a typical crop size and steady demand, consistent pricing in the market is expected.
This year, the supply of Vidalia Sweet Onions is anticipated to wrap up around Labor Day.
Along with the laser weeders, there are other developments at Bland Farms, starting with the introduction of a new web developer to help soon launch direct online sales of its Vidalia Brands products and signature sweet onions.
It is also introducing new initiatives to celebrate the Vidalia season. "This year's theme is anchored in "Savor Summer's Sweetest Moments," says Bland, adding that it will be offering consumers giveaways, a curated summer playlist, and new family-focused recipes. "For our retail partners, we're also bringing back the Mr. Raymond Bin that aligns with our campaign. We're giving our retailers great resources to engage shoppers—from a Vidalia Season Countdown to social media assets."
For more information:
Michele Marin
Bland Farms
sales@blandfarms.com
https://blandfarms.com/