OXNARD, CA - The leaves are falling, the temperature is lowering, and growing regions are experiencing a turn of fate. Not only does the holiday season usher in a new period for produce providers, but it signifies a shift in supply for many categories. Boskovich Farms is one of such companies, as the change in weather inevitably impacts its celery crop. I checked in with Russ Widerburg, Sales Manager at Boskovich, to find out what’s in store for the celery market.

“The current celery market is trending up. The Thanksgiving Holiday demand is beginning now and will continue through the end of December. Weather conditions will determine whether the market continues to slide up, or eases off because of better supplies,” Russ explained. “Coming off of a $60 to $70 per box celery market last year, it will be interesting to see how much volume will be committed to contract pricing this season. We have aggressively sought after more contract pricing for the upcoming season with our increased volume.”

Ramping up for the holidays, Boskovich is planning ahead and charting commitments and projected sales of its celery. The Oxnard harvest has just begun, according to Russ, though the company will harvest in Lompoc for another week. The Oxnard season will continue through the end of June 2020.

“Quality is very good in Oxnard to start, although there has been discussion about some Fuserium ground disease being prevalent in the Oxnard region,” Russ told me.

Although Russ is expecting a dryer and colder winter than last year, he confidently assured me that it won’t be a problem for Boskovich. In fact, he said that volume for the celery program will increase by ten percent, which is a normal annual growth increase for the company.

Stay tuned in to ANUK as we cover categorial market updates ahead of the holidays.

Boskovich Farms