The supply of cauliflower from California is fairly heavy at the moment and will continue that way for the next couple of weeks. “This is due to high yields,” says Scott Niizawa of Church Brothers Farms, noting the season did have a slower start though. “It was about one to two weeks behind due to cool temperatures down in the desert. We expect the season to end in mid-April.”
Right now, Church Brothers’ crops are coming out of the Imperial Valley. Other growers also produce in Santa Maria, California.
As for pricing, compared to a few weeks ago, prices are higher. However compared to a year ago with that lower supply, prices are lower. “Last year at this time product was scarce among all commodities and prices were skyrocketing into the $50 range and higher. That, of course, was a once-in-a-blue-moon scenario that we don’t expect to see again any time soon,” says Niizawa. “Of all the items we sell, cauliflower is the most volatile in terms of pricing and availability. Though we’re optimistic about a good season.”
Demand ahead
While there is plenty of product right now, demand is expected to slow down through the end of the year due to the Christmas holiday. However in January, a bump is anticipated due to consumers’ healthy eating resolutions.
The vegetable also generally has seen strong consumer interest in recent years and has appeared in a variety of forms from cauliflower rice to pizza crusts to cauliflower steaks and more. “I don’t think that’s going to change any time soon. It’s such a versatile vegetable, and it definitely has a health halo around it,” adds Niizawa.
For more information:
Loree Dowse
Church Brothers Farms
Tel.: +1 (831) 796-2434
https://www.churchbrothers.com/