Eggplant production is in full swing in Georgia right now as finally some sustained high temperatures meant that growing conditions have vastly improved. Supplies had been subdued from the wet weather that affected the region earlier in June, but this has turned around dramatically. Florida has finished, but some other regions along the eastern US are about to commence.
"Right now, South Georgia is in full production," said one Southeast grower. "Eggplant is also starting up now in eastern North Carolina, with the western region of the state beginning in the next week or two. "Additionally, New Jersey is set to make a start in about two weeks. It's one of the last crops to transition northwards, but it also tends to have a longer season."
Although Georgia started earlier this month, growers had a tough time dealing with the heavy rain, and production suffered. However, much warmer weather has brought on heavy supply. "There was some extreme rainfall in Georgia at the start of the eggplant season," the source said. "But this situation has straightened out and production is really coming along now. Eggplants love the heat and now there is abundant supply."
Market lower than last year
Supplies in Georgia have come on so intensely that it has caused the market to stumble. Prices are very low and considerably lower than at this point last year. Growers say it's the acceleration of production, rather than the over-abundance of volume that has created the weak market. They are hoping that once Georgia passes its peak, the market will rebound.
"The market has been very cheap and we are now seeing prices of between $6.00 - $8.00 on number 1s," the grower noted. "This is lower than it was last year when we saw prices in the low teens in mid June. A lot of product was held back due to the weather conditions, and then it all came on at the same time. Although the Georgia season can extend for several months, supplies usually have passed their peak by the end of July, so once Georgia volume decreases, the market typically firms up. We are hopeful that the market will improve in the next few weeks."
Eggplant remains a steady item
Growers have noted that the demand for eggplant has wavered over the years, but the vegetable remains a steady feature in supermarkets. Shipping and packaging remains largely the same, but suppliers note that PLU stickers are becoming more requested.
"Eggplant has its seasons and it's usually a good mover at certain time of the year," he said. "PLUs are becoming more popular, with more retailers requesting they be stickered. Shipping is still mostly in bushels and RPCs. There has been efforts to present eggplants in shrink wrap containers, but they really don't lend themselves to many kinds of consumer packaging. Retailers tend to prefer to present them as loose items."