Sweet onion supply has transitioned to coming out of Peru and supplies look steady. “Our New Mexico sweet onion season ran a little bit later but the transition was right on schedule,” says Jeff Brechler of Little Bear Produce. Supply will continue to come from Peru through the first of February.
Overall, the Peruvian crop looks similar to last year’s. “I know a lot of folks in Peru are struggling with size this year but we’ve not really been affected by that as others have been,” says Brechler.
As for demand, it’s fair at best. “The program customers and the retailers are steady while wholesale markets are a bit hit and miss,” Brechler says. “One reason is because of pricing discrepancies and inconsistent movement due to the sizing issue. There are smaller than normal onions in the market and they’re not moving as quickly. Buyers have seen that and are a bit leery so you have to reassure them that you have size. However, they’ll make that determination when they’re inspecting them before buying.”
Strengthening demand
He does add that demand will likely pick up as not only Thanksgiving approaches but the other holidays that come with this time of year right through to February with the Super Bowl. “So this market should start to pick up in demand,” he says.
He’s also hoping pricing catches up as well and says a grower should be able to get a premium on larger sizes given the number of smaller onions in the marketplace. Pricing is also relatively the same as last year. “My assumption is that in December or January, the price of jumbos and colossals will increase because there’s fewer and fewer of them available,” Brechler says.
For more information:
Jeff Brechler
Little Bear Produce
Tel: +1 (956) 380-0353
[email protected]
www.littlebearproduce.com