The supply of Brussels sprouts is limited at the moment and is expected to stay that way for the next two to three weeks until mid-July. "Due to the production transitions between growing regions, it is typical for Brussels sprout supplies to be tight at this time of year," says Katie Dozier, sales/commodity manager for Ippolito International LP.
Most of the supply for Ippolito International is currently coming from Mexico and that region is anticipated to wrap up by the end of July. "The heat in Mexico leads to an increase in insect activity that can sometimes result from especially dry conditions. That compromises quality and affects our overall harvestable volume and that increases the likelihood that we will have to abandon some acreage," says Dozier.
To supplement its supply, it's also sourcing from Oxnard, California though some similar quality challenges have also been found there. "We anticipate our production volume will be below plan for the next three to four weeks," says Dozier.
"Due to the production transitions between growing regions, it is typical for Brussels sprout supplies to be tight at this time of year," says Dozier.
Looking ahead
That means all eyes are on the harvest in Salinas which is scheduled to begin at the start of July.
Meeting this limited supply right now is steady demand for the vegetable during the summer months, though demand is tighter than usual. "Typically summer is a slower season for Brussels sprouts but if history is any indication, we expect demand to increase as schools reopen in the fall," says Dozier.
As for pricing, compared to last year, pricing is increasing at a much slower rate than expected. "Market pricing is seemingly taking longer to respond to the reduced supply," says Dozier.
For more information:
Ippolito International
[email protected]
https://www.qvproduce.com/