Katie Dozier of Ippolito International Details Changing Brussels Sprouts Market and Supply
SALINAS, CA - What would fresh produce be without the dynamic markets that make up its top-tier categories? Restful, I suppose! As we move toward the end of July, the Brussels sprouts sector is one of such lively arenas keeping the trade on its toes and continuing to deliver on the field and on the plate.
"Currently, we are seeing a flux in demand, probably due to increased supplies. This has caused lower pricing," Katie Dozier, Sales and Commodity Manager for Brussels Sprouts, Ippolito International, shares with me. "Although summer supply has settled in, we've still seen an increase in sprout demand year over year. Heading into the fall, this is a category that's just getting its legs, so we expect foodservice and retail demand to continue."
Ippolito International grows Brussels sprouts in Baja, Mexico, as well as Oxnard and Salinas, California, throughout the year. As Katie reveals, quality and volume are continuing to improve as the company moves into cooler temperatures and local growing regions.
"The quality outlook on our Salinas crop is looking good as we begin to ramp up over the next several weeks and our Mexico production drops off," she reflects. "The quality and volume we see are common for this time of year. As the Mexico regions heat up and end their production, the local Salinas and other California regions are coming up to speed. We expect to see more consistent sizing, and the clean, hearty Brussels sprout that our customers rely on."
When I inquire about the elements impacting today's market conditions in the category, I find some strong variables affecting the popular Brussels sprout.
"The extreme heat wave we had in May was unseasonable weather for that time period in our area and brought on challenges to sizing," Katie notes, then looks ahead at what we can expect. “With sizing and supply improving, we expect demand to follow as we prepare for the back-to-school and then, into the fall rush.”
As the dog days of summer coast toward the coming cool in the Northern Hemisphere (fingers crossed), check back in with AndNowUKnow for more on the arena and the excitement to come.
