As the new year starts and healthy eating begins, one key commodity is seeing tight supply. "The overall supply of garlic is tighter this year. One of the reasons is that prices were strong last year so farmers held less seed back and sold it into the fresh market instead," says Jim Provost of I Love Produce.
While the demand for garlic is normal, with this tight supply, prices are stronger than they are on average.
Right now, fresh crop garlic is coming from Argentina, a growing region that began its garlic season on time. "The weather conditions were perfect and the garlic is well cured," says Provost, adding that the next new garlic will be from Mexico in May 2025.
Uncertainty ahead
While the demand for garlic is normal, with this tight supply, prices are stronger than they are on average. It is anticipated that they will stay that way due to a combination of reduced supply but also tariff uncertainty. (President-elect Donald Trump has promised broad-based tariffs on products for all countries.) "No one knows what tariffs will come with the new Trump administration and how that might impact the market," says Provost.
Jim Provost showing off the company product.
Another concern that is also looming is a port strike that is looking likely. January 15 is the day a temporary deal between the International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance expires. "As of today, there has been no progress in the negotiations between the ILA and the USMX, the organization representing the East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. That leaves two weeks until the deadline for a deal to be worked out and avert a possible strike," adds Provost.
For more information:
Jim Provost
I Love Produce
Tel: +1 (610) 869-4664
[email protected]
www.iloveproduce.com