Supplies of beets out of California are currently steady.
“We have red table beets and we’re in excellent supplies,” says Frank Ratto of Modesto, CA.-based Ratto Brothers. “There are plenty of supply of bunch beets and also 25 lb. polybagged beets. We’re in really good shape on those.” He adds that sizing is generally medium sized between 2 ¾ and 3.5-inch bulbs and that Ratto offers beets in both conventional and organic options and pack one dozen, two dozen or the 25 lb. bags.
Beets are coming out of Modesto, CA while competing product comes out of Mexico, Central Coast and Salinas, CA.
Retail demand strong
As for demand, Ratto says it’s average for beets right now. “Beets are a great foodservice item with slicing and dicing and with COVID-19, a lot of foodservice demand is very very sporadic. It’s hit and miss and it’s been like this for awhile now,” says Ratto. “It’s steady but not great and foodservice isn’t where it was. Retailers are doing quite well though. Retail demand will be a little bit more but not much.” That said, demand for beets tend to climb around holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter.
All of this leaves the market currently then between $12-$14. “I think the market is pretty comparable to last year at this time,” says Ratto.
Looking ahead, Ratto says in the next few weeks supplies will continue to be steady.
For more information:
Frank Ratto
Ratto Bros. Inc
Tel: +1-209-545-7575
fratto@RattoBros.com
www.rattobros.com