Reports: Brussels Sprouts Pricing Fluctuates After Post-Thanksgiving Demand; Philip Barrientos, Crystal Chavez, and Katie Dozier Comment
UNITED STATES - On Monday morning, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported a slighty higher pricing on Brussels sprouts. When reported, the low-high price sat at $25.55—$31.55 for 25 lb cartons. Since then, the prices have dropped. As market levels adjust to the post-Thanksgiving rush, we reached out to a few industry folks to hear what they had to say about current Brussels sprouts pricing and supply.
“We have seen a price range in sprouts like what the USDA is reporting,” Philip Barrientos, Ocean Mist® Farms’ Commodity Manager shared with me. “As we head into transition and the Thanksgiving holiday pull, we had some other shippers calling in looking for product, so I know some other guys were/are light on volume. Ocean Mist Farms has been in a comfortable spot, as we have been able to cover all of our customers' holiday needs, with supply available for the open market."
Philip continued, noting that as December hits, additional changes are to be expected.
"We expect another lift in the market for the Christmas pull," he said, "and with cooperative weather, I expect there is going to be better supply available.”
I also spoke with Crystal Chavez, Marketing Coordinator for Gold Coast Packing, to hear her insights.
“Brussels sprouts pricing has been steady and sticking along that pricing for the past few weeks,” she remarked. “The pricing comes from a supply issue and the holiday demand. Nothing really out of the ordinary—just the seasonal supply crunch. Gold Coast currently has a great supply of purple and green Brussels sprouts available. Our sprouts are product of the United States, locally grown in Santa Maria, California.”
Katie Dozier, Ippolito International’s Brussels Sprouts Commodity Manager, also provided us with some details on the market.
"Yes, it is very common to see a wide range in pricing as we come off the holiday pull and demand slows down. The fluctuations will continue until we start to see the demand pick back up again for the next wave of holiday orders and pricing stabilizes," she explained.
We’ll continue to keep our eyes peeled on any pricing fluctuations, so stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for the latest.
