Despite a moderate shortage of supply several weeks ago which saw the market escalate, leafy greens crops appear to have hit their stride. A good level of production - without overproduction - is ensuring prices remain solid, while there is also sufficient supply to satisfy demand.
"It's been a very good leafy green season so far," said Eric Garcia of River Fresh Farms. "Everyone is keeping up with the demand and thanks to the warm weather, quality is high and supplies are moving along very well. Demand is at a good level and, while not overly strong, is at a point where there is decent movement and very little in the way of oversupply or gapping."
Better market this summer
Summer tends to be a time when supplies are heavy and demand stagnates. Often when this happens, growers are forced to accept very low prices in an effort to move inventory. This year, however, prices have held relatively firm. This has meant that growers, shippers and receivers alike are enjoying steady prices.
"This is usually a slow time of year when everyone gets backed up and there is plenty of supply," Garcia noted. "But we are not seeing that happening this year and we hope it stays that way throughout the season. There was a small spike several weeks ago, but prices are now steady across all leafy greens. Price are currently hovering between $7.00 - $9.00 which, although lower than at the start of the current season, is much better than last summer when growers were giving away produce just to keep it moving."
"Now the market seems to have hit a sweet spot and everybody is able to make some money." he continued. "Farmers seem to be more responsible in how they are managing their inventories, and smaller growers tend to have more flexibility when it comes to this."
For more information:
Eric Garcia
River Fresh Farms
Tel: +1 (831) 998-7072