Blog

Nov 08, 2024

California carrot demand pressured post-southeast hurricanes

Conventional carrot yields from California are beginning to improve. "We're hoping to see that continue through to the end of the year so we'll have a more consistent flow of product," says Rob

Conventional carrot yields from California are beginning to improve. "We're hoping to see that continue through to the end of the year so we'll have a more consistent flow of product," says Rob Giragosian with Kern Ridge Growers, LLC. adding that production is coming from Kern County and will continue until February. "The better yields are due to decent weather coming through this planting season."

On organic carrots, yields are still behind though that is typical for this time of year. "Our current supply is decent and we're on pace towards where we projected," says Giragosian. "That's an improvement over the last three months probably where carrots have been on the tighter side."

Carrot demand to increaseHowever supply is tightening on carrots due to the continued impacts of Hurricane Milton, but also Hurricane Helene, in the southeast region. "We think that the overall supply should tighten up in the next two to three weeks," he says.

At the same time, the holiday pull for carrots will also be coming this month ahead of Thanksgiving. Then, into December, retail demand fluctuates somewhat due to factors such as children being out of school, families traveling, the holiday season, and more, though foodservice demand stays relatively consistent.

This is leaving pricing right now similar to this time last year. "Everybody is trying to stay ahead of the increased costs in production so I think as we move into early 2025, pricing will adjust accordingly," Giragosian says, adding that pricing may also shift slightly upwards in the next week or two with less supply available.

For more information:Rob GiragosianKern Ridge Growers, LLCTel: +1 (661) 854-3156[email protected]https://kernridge.com/