Garlic

Spice World Opens Research Kitchen, Innovation Center

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 22:10:25 GMT

Fresh garlic provider Spice World has opened an expanded R&D kitchen at its company headquarters in Orlando, Fla. Named for Spice World co-founder and matriarch, the Ann Caneza Culinary Innovation Center will provide a new space for collaboration and ideation focused on driving next-level innovation, the company says.

The new facility is designed to support Spice World’s vision to help consumers elevate their meals with fresh, convenient flavor. Equipped with preparation, cooking and testing capabilities, the space will also provide internal and external chefs and R&D professionals a high-quality space to enhance and create new on-trend flavor innovation, the company says. It also opens the door for direct consumer interactions to listen and learn.

“We’ve designed a space that fuels innovation, experimentation and bold flavor exploration,” says Chris Kiser, CEO of Spice World. “While at its core it is a kitchen — it’s also a creative laboratory where our teams can explore prototypes and push boundaries of flavor originality. Our resident culinary experts will work alongside other food technologists to design, cook and taste-test multiple concepts in a single setting. With more than 75 years of experience in garlic, the center underscores our continued commitment to meet or exceed our customer’s expectations and envision tomorrow’s needs.”

At the recent International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce and Floral Show, Spice World shared some of its latest culinary innovations, including organic fresh diced garlic in a 5-ounce bag and peeled ginger in a 7-ounce bag.

“Gen Z loves everything associated with flavor, but they don’t want to do any heavy lifting,” Kiser told The Packer on the show floor. They also don’t like to throw away produce, he says, which is why the breathable bag on the garlic that extends freshness without the need for preservatives is also driving interest in the product.

Lisa Schwendner, director of research and development, will lead Spice World’s innovation program.

“I am thrilled for this new space and cannot wait to lead the next level of product and prototype development,” Schwendner says.

Organic and Value-Added Offer Opportunity for Garlic Growth

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 11:45:25 GMT

Social media has been a boon for garlic, says Mike Smith, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Spice World. With social media unlocking new flavors and cuisines, it’s no secret garlic plays an important role.

“It’s easy for cooks to find videos or posts for every type of cuisine, and many have instructional videos, so it takes away some of the trepidation for trying a new recipe,” he says. “Food is also an enjoyable way to sample different cultures and cuisines, and garlic is a main ingredient in many cultural dishes.”

Tracie Levin, controller at M. Levin and Co., says garlic is a key item in shoppers’ carts thanks to its versatility.

“Garlic is one of those items that the consumer will pick up at the store just to have on hand, while not having any specific meal intended for it,” she says. “It’s a staple ingredient that stores can use as a good ‘grab-and-go’ item to fill their cart. Most consumers who cook will always have garlic on hand.”

Trends

Levin says convenience has played a major role in garlic purchases, noting that while fresh bulbs of garlic will last longer than pre-peeled bulbs, consumers still seek to speed up meal prep.

“The demand for peeled and minced garlic has soared in recent years as people are looking to save time while doing their meal prep,” she says. “Peeled and minced garlic is a time-saving value-added product.”

Smith, too, says the modern shopper sees value-added as an easy way to add flavor to recipes.

“Time is a valuable commodity,” he says. “Today’s cooks appreciate the simplicity of quickly adding delicious flavor to their favorite recipes. Interest in value-added products continues to grow, especially for busy families.”

Smith says peeled and minced garlic is also a great way for consumers to add flavor, especially if they might be intimidated by handling fresh garlic.

“Some consumers will shy away from using garlic because they think it’s too complicated to handle or take too long to prep,” he says. “Our value-added products are pre-minced, and our website has tips on how to mince your own garlic.”

As consumers’ overall interest in organic produce grows, Smith says he’s seeing interest continue to rise for organic garlic.

“We are seeing Gen Z and millennials select organic produce as their first choice,” he says. “According to the Organic Trade Association, organic products continue to see steady growth — up 5.2% year over year in 2024, which is double the overall marketplace increase of 2.5%.”

Black and purple garlic offer consumers different flavor profiles than traditional white garlic. And Levin says that while consumers continue to seek out new flavors, white garlic continues to be the No. 1 seller for M. Levin and Co.

Smith says he’s seen a growing interest in black garlic globally.

“According to Market Statsville Group, the black garlic global market is experiencing strong growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness of its health benefits and its appeal as a culinary ingredient,”
he says.

Tariff Impact

Anthony Serafino, president of Exp Group, a multinational company with a network of production, importation and distribution of tropical fruits and vegetables, says tariffs have impacted the garlic industry. Exporters look to other countries to avoid the tariffs imposed on imported garlic from China.

“China’s losing the game on garlic,” he says. “I think garlic is getting picked up in different parts of the world and being
imported into our country, and we’re seeing the Chinese lose out in the market.”

Serafino says he says he has seen more stable pricing with the market being undersupplied.

“Pricing is holding up on our end,” he says. “Because of China now, prices are holding. They’re not going higher or lower. I think it’s much more stable from what we’re seeing on our analysis, on our end.”

And retailers have been more willing to procure garlic from other countries, including Turkey, to keep garlic supplies up in stores, Serafino says.

“An empty shelf is every retailer’s nightmare,” he says. “People just want the item. People don’t want to be told that they don’t have the item anymore.”

Promotion Tips

Smith says it’s essential that retailers capitalize on this interest with cross-merchandising in stores. Seafood, meat and deli sections are excellent places to promote garlic.

“Garlic can add great flavor to almost any meal,” he says.

Levin says she’s also seen success with garlic throughout the produce department thanks to its versatility in the kitchen.

“It pairs well with many items across departments at the retail level, and therefore we are now seeing garlic in various areas throughout the produce departments, not just in one spot,” she says.

Smith suggests retailers consider surrounding garlic with produce that works well with it.

“Tomatoes, onions, tomatillos, peppers and other produce marry well with garlic and look great on displays with our garlic products,” he says.

Smith also suggests retailers consider when to promote garlic to help boost sales.

“From an online perspective, promoting garlic on weekends when consumers are planning their weekly meals is another great way to maximize sales,” he says. “Garlic is a versatile pantry staple ingredient and can be enjoyed all year round, but there are key times of year when consumers are thinking about time savings.”

Times like the holidays, back to school and around the new year and healthy eating are all times when time is a luxury and consumers might be more drawn to value-added products, he says.

Levin says eye-catching displays are always a must to help drive sales.

“Retailers can use themed displays such as seasonal promotions and they can also incorporate recipe cards to spark the at-home chef’s culinary imagination,” she says. P

U.S. garlic growers aided by tariff on Chinese goods, says Christopher Ranch

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 20:03:03 GMT

The Trump administration’s tariffs might be a concern for some companies, but as one of the U.S.'s largest family-owned and -operated garlic farms, Christopher Ranch says the additional tariff on Chinese imports will continue to strengthen the growth of the California-grown garlic market.

Christopher Ranch said it successfully worked with the government in 2018 to enact a 25% tariff on Chinese garlic that remains in effect today, and with the new administration’s two rounds of 10% tariffs, Chinese garlic is now impacted with a 45% tariff. That will make a tremendous difference for domestic garlic industry and employment in the garlic capital of the world, Gilroy, Calif.,” the company said in a news release.

“While we understand that tariffs and trade wars may not be in the best interest of our nation in the long run, there are industries that can and will benefit from these actions and can result in increased domestic production, increased employment, greater food safety and a more stable supply chain,” said Ken Christopher, executive vice president of Christopher Ranch. “In protecting and promoting domestic industry, this administration’s decision will likely benefit the specialty crops in the U.S. agriculture industry.”

Christopher Ranch said U.S. garlic growers have been negatively impacted since the early 1990s when China was flooding the U.S. with product and selling it below the cost of production. This is a trade practice known as dumping — when companies or countries artificially sell below the price of production to gain market share.

While there used to be 12 commercial-scale garlic farms in U.S., due to the illegal practice of dumping Chinese product, there are now only three, the release said.

“Christopher Ranch is proud to be the nation’s largest producer of U.S.-grown garlic products, and while we understand the complexity of this macroeconomic situation, we fully support efforts that protect specialty crop farmers,” the company said in the release.

Garlic imports show growth

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 19:29:38 GMT

USDA statistics reveal that U.S. fresh garlic imports jumped 33% in the 12 months from June 2023 to May 2024.

U.S. fresh garlic imports for the period were $293.1 million, up 33% from the prior 12-month period.

By country, here are June 2023 to May 2024 U.S. fresh garlic imports, with the percent change from the previous 12-month period.

China — $124.03 million, up 51%.
Spain: — $71.9 million, down 2%.
Mexico — $41.6 million, up 21%.
Argentina — $34.9 million, up 66%.
Peru — $10.5 million, up 127%.
Turkey — $3.49 million, up 231%.
Chile — $2.89 million, up 75%.
South Korea — $2.2 million, up 802%.
Canada — $951,000, up 3%.

Compared with 2010 import levels, 2024 trade numbers show that China remains the largest exporter, but with fluctuations and growth from other global suppliers.

Imports from China peaked in 2014 at $154 million, declined to $80.8 million in 2022 and rebounded to $124 million in 2024.

USDA numbers show dramatic growth in U.S. imports of Spanish garlic, from just $59,000 in 2010 to $72 million in 2024. With significant increases starting in 2015, Spain is now the second-largest supplier of fresh garlic to the U.S. market, according to USDA data.

Mexico has seen steady growth as a garlic supplier to the U.S. market, from $5.8 million in 2010 to $41.6 million in 2024, becoming the third-largest exporter.

Imports from Argentina have fluctuated from $11.9 million in 2010 to $35 million in 2024, with a peak of $36.4 million in 2022.

Imports of fresh garlic from Peru have grown substantially from $86,000 in 2010 to $10.5 million in 2024, with significant increases starting in 2017, according to USDA numbers.

The total value of fresh garlic imports to the U.S. grew from $97.6 million in 2010 to $293.1 million in 2024, representing a 200% increase. While China is still the dominant global supplier of fresh garlic to the U.S. market, the supply has diversified, with Spain and Mexico significantly increasing their market share.

I Love Produce introduces new line of jarred garlic

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 19:03:58 GMT

The biggest marketing push this year for I Love Produce , West Grove, Pa., is the introduction of a line of jarred garlic , including squeezable jars, says Jim Provost, president.

I Love Produce is a year-round supplier of the garlic category, non-Chinese and Chinese, including fresh bulk, packaged, peeled and further-processed garlic, Provost said.

“In order to offer our customers the freshest and most competitive garlic supply year-round, we follow the seasons from the Northern Hemisphere to the Southern Hemisphere,” he said. “Because we are coming out of an El Niño growing season, and also because the supply chain is as complicated as it has been since 2020 when it was impacted by COVID, it is a challenging and dynamic year for sourcing garlic.”

I Love Produce finished its supply of Argentina garlic about a month ago and transitioned to new-crop Mexican garlic, Provost said.

“The quality of the Mexican garlic was very good, but because of a shorter than normal crop, prices were 15% to 20% higher than a year ago,” he said. ‘Due to the short Mexican crop, we are transitioning into Spain garlic right away, the first shipments of new crop Spain garlic are arriving in July.”

Spain had a vintage year for garlic, with outstanding sizing and quality, he said.

Garlic acreage is down in Spain 20% to 30% due to lack of water availability for irrigation in some regions, Provost said. That combined with a smaller-than-normal California crop will make for a higher-than-normal garlic market in 2024.

“I Love Produce has long-term partnerships in Spain, so our program is secure for the coming season,” he said.

China grows 90% of the world’s garlic, and at least 50% of the garlic imported into the U.S. is grown in China, he said.

“Because China is the 800-pound gorilla of the garlic market, generally as China goes the world market goes,” Provost said. “China had a larger-than-normal crop even though their yields were down due to increased acreage. Bulb size is down, but because of good harvest conditions, the garlic is well cured and of high quality.

“Prices are slightly reduced from a year ago, but because ocean freight has increased, the market is stable,” he continued. “China might affect the world market, which could impact prices of competing countries, which we will be keeping a watchful eye out for.”

Spice World celebrates 75 years with Recipe Road Trip promotion

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 17:43:22 GMT

Spice World is celebrating its 75th anniversary this summer, says Pat McAndrew, chief marketing officer.

“We are sharing the legacy of Andy ‘Pops’ Caneza founding Spice World in 1949 by inspiring consumers with meal ideas from ten U.S. regions through our Recipe Road Trip promotion,” McAndrew said. “Consumers can vote on their favorite meal ideas each week, and each vote qualifies them for a chance to win an experiential vacation to New Orleans where Spice World was founded. Spice World is also donating $75,000 to Feeding America and other charities to help address food insecurity in communities around the country.”

Spice World is committed to providing consumers with the highest quality, fresh garlic year-round, McAndrew said.

“While California is our largest growing region with thousands of acres in the San Joaquin Valley alone, we also use a ‘follow the sun’ strategy and work with additional farmers across the globe to supplement our California supply, ensuring we meet the annual demand of U.S. consumers,” he said.

Spice World also owns and operates an extensive controlled-temperature storage facility in California that allows the marketer to make its domestically grown garlic available year-round, he said.

McAndrew said organic garlic continues to grow in popularity with both consumers and retailers. Spice World offers a variety of organic products in fresh, peeled, and ready-to-use formats, he said.

“Our Seasoning Blends line, in particular Chili Onion Crunch, is another bright spot as consumers increasingly seek out flavorful ingredients to add to their favorite recipes,” McAndrew said.

Garlic is a key ingredient in all varieties of Seasoning Blends, he said.

Target consumers

Mike Smith, senior vice president of sales, said Spice World consumers look for unique and powerful flavors in retail formats that are convenient and easy to use.

“Spice World created the ready-to-use garlic segment many years ago and has not lost sight of the role convenience plays for consumers,” Smith said. “Today’s cooks, whether they are busy parents or empty nesters, appreciate the simplicity of quickly adding delicious flavor to their favorite recipes.”

Smith said retailers have increasingly taken advantage of Spice World’s innovative merchandising solutions, including shippers, racks and other stand-alone shelving systems.

“Our deep experience shows that consumers will buy garlic if they can easily find it in their stores,” Smith said. “All retailers that have invested in these solutions have seen a lift in sales.”

I Love Produce sets sights on growth, teams up with Promise Holdings

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 20:18:27 GMT

This year, produce supplier-marketer I Love Produce has set its sights beyond business as usual and is in growth mode, leveraging new partnerships to expand its reach.

But global produce markets continue to challenge fresh produce suppliers and distributors — of all sizes and expertise — with quality and volume issues because of changing weather patterns and events. I Love Produce, a year-round fresh produce company specializing in fresh garlic, ginger and shallots, is eager to bring its new crop of garlic from Spain and China to market this July.

“I am very happy with the quality of the new crop peeled garlic, both from Spain and China,” Jim Provost, president of I Love Produce, told The Packer. “Fresh garlic is challenging from Spain and China this year, because of cosmetic skin discoloration resulting from rain at the harvests.”

What’s unusual, Provost added, is for both Spain and China to get significant rain during the June harvest season. This could be due to the El Niño weather pattern causing this unique condition, he said.

After a tough spring on the garlic harvests in Spain and China, California has experienced a record heat wave during late garlic harvest, Provost said, and other parts of the world are also experiencing record-setting temperatures, creating a huge challenge to garlic yields and quality.

Related news: Garlic market conditions finally favorable for domestic growers

“Fresh ginger has also experienced supply challenges as a result,” Provost said. “New ginger from Peru is shipping now, which will alleviate some of the supply pressure resulting from a gap in supply and a poor-quality crop from China.”

Having been in the fresh produce sourcing business for 20 years, I Love Produce uses its experience navigating the challenges and market fluctuations to source a year-round supply of fresh garlic, ginger and shallots.

The company also has plans to expand its reach and leverage its expertise with new partnerships.

Broadening reach by bringing in new partners

The West Grove, Pa.-based marketer has recently partnered with Promise Holdings, a Chicago-based holding company specializing in the food industry. Promise Holdings subsidiaries include Hickory Farms, Annabelle Candy Co., Catalina Finer Foods, Uncle John’s Pride Sausages and Pear’s Snacks, according to a news release.

Promise Holding’s new investment will help I Love Produce with advances in technology, equipment and marketing that will increase efficiencies and add value to customer relationships, the release said.

“Investing in I Love Produce is our first foray into the produce side of the industry,” said a statement in the release attributed to Promise Holdings co-owners Gordon Liao and Jacqueline Brooks. “It is an exciting opportunity, but more importantly, our core values line up with the I Love Produce team and the long-standing family culture that Jim, Neil and Eric have built. We are looking forward to working together with the entire team to grow the business over the long term.”

I Love Produce’s current senior management team will continue to manage and run the operations. With that future in mind, the founders of I Love Produce, Provost and Neil Millman, have recently offered a stake of ownership to Vice President of Sales Eric Frasse, according to the release.

“Eric has been fighting the battles for I Love Produce since he started with us 12 years ago,” Provost said in the release. “His track record of success and deep industry knowledge will help us, and he has earned a stake in the next phase of our business growth as a partner.”

“Our new partnership sets up I Love Produce for the next generation and assures the future for our team of dedicated coworkers, our supplier/vendor partners, and our customer partners,” Millman said in the release. “We are excited about the new products and ideas that have already been emerging during our meetings.”

Garlic market conditions finally favorable for domestic growers

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 18:12:33 GMT

For domestic growers and importers supplying year-round garlic to customers, the key to success with garlic is twofold.

Not only is it critical to harvest, cure and store the allium to ensure a high-quality crop, but it’s also essential to manage market conditions strategically as global import markets play a critical role in whether a producer yields a profit for the product.

Garlic suppliers have seen markets fluctuate over the past several years, dealing with unexpected demand and supply chain issues through the pandemic and subsequent inflationary conditions. In 2023, markets are finally looking favorable.

“We’re cautiously optimistic about this season with California garlic,” Kain Fattahi told The Packer. Fattahi manages operations at the family-owned and operated Global Farms based in Los Angeles.

China and Spain are seeing reduced garlic exports this year, he said. China’s harvest is reportedly down this season compared with years prior. That, combined with a roughly 30% reduction in Spain’s acreage, translates to promising conditions for domestic garlic, Fattahi said.

“We’re probably not going to see as many imports [in the U.S.], and so that should support the California market this year,” he added.

Global Farms experienced a boom of demand during the pandemic, Fattahi said.

“The last couple of years, prices were really depressed on imports because Spain, Argentina, Mexico and China had just planted a lot of garlic. We saw a lot of cheap prices from those countries,” he said. “In California, the costs are what they are; you can’t expect to compete with a lot of those imports.”

Many growers in garlic-exporting countries chose not to replant. The reduced acreage, combined with weather issues, has led to an overall shortage on imports, Fattahi added.

Andy Martin, president of A&A Organic Farms based in Watsonville, Calif., sees similar trends unfolding this summer.

“Both Spain and China have seen weather issues that have affected imports recently,” Martin told The Packer. “Spain, in particular, has had issues with rain, which has affected both quality and volume.”

All in all, the markets look stable in the months ahead, Martin said.

In addition to favorable markets, Martin is looking forward to seeing A&A Organics’ newest garlic program from Mexico come to fruition after several years in the making.

As part of the new program, the grower just planted purple garlic seed for next year’s harvest. A&A Organics sources its organic white garlic crop from California, Mexico and Argentina.

“It’s steady as she goes,” Martin said. “Our Argentinian crop in particular is drop-dead gorgeous and runs like clockwork.”

Challenges on the horizon

For producers trying to break into garlic production, it can take a while to get established.

“Produce House is still relatively new to marketplace with three seasons under its belt and [we] have found that this market is intimate,” Raquel Espinoza told The Packer. Espinoza leads sales and marketing for Nogales, Ariz.-based Produce House, which has recently added garlic to its growing produce portfolio.

“We are starting to understand its dynamic and will continue to grow into this category in the future, always maintaining food safety [as] a priority as we market our products,” she said.

Espinoza is optimistic that the company will soon establish its position as a certified organic garlic grower sourcing from Mexico.

“It’s our goal to work with our national market here in the United States and grow into all North America,” she said. “It is in our plans to grow global in the next five years with this commodity.”

Another persistent challenge for many bringing garlic to market is the cost of labor, especially for domestically grown product.

“Here in California the cost of labor is really the unknown factor,” said Fattahi at Global Farms. “We don’t we don’t see it going down anytime soon. It’s tough competing against a lot of these imports with the cost of labor in California,”

While Global Farms hones the efficiency of harvest and the operation as much as possible, the cost of labor in the Golden State remains a hurdle.

“The fresh market is all hand-harvested and no one’s developed any other way to harvest the garlic,” Fattahi said. “The bulbs are pretty delicate. It all has to be harvested by hand.”

GrubMarket acquires JC Produce, continuing steady growth

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:25:55 GMT

Continuing its pattern of steady expansion and funding rounds, food tech company GrubMarket adds another name to its expanding list of fresh produce purveyors. The latest acquisition to GrubMarket’s growing portfolio is California-based JC Produce.

“We are excited to join the GrubMarket team because our teams share the same underlying values, and we are similarly passionate about providing exceptional service to our customers,” Jacky Chan, founder of JC Produce, said in a news release. “We are also eager to tap into a best-in-class grower network, and to leverage GrubMarket’s unique and superior eCommerce and technology-enabled software platform, to bring more high-quality fresh produce to more customers across the country.”

JC Produce is a fresh fruit and vegetable company known for its ginger and garlic offerings, founded 10 years ago with a focus on South American and Asian imports. Joining GrubMarket’s portfolio, JC Produce will continue management with its current leadership team and will use GrubMarket’s proprietary WholesaleWare. GrubMarket’s software platform provides food industry wholesalers and distributors like JC Produce a suite of tools such as financial and inventory management, lot traceability, grower accounting, automated routing and logistics, and a mobile eCommerce platform.

“JC Produce is a well-known fresh produce provider that sources from hundreds of suppliers across numerous regions globally, including South America and Asia. Jacky has nearly two decades of experience in the fresh produce industry and has done a fantastic job scaling the company. Under his management, JC Produce has more than doubled its revenue over the past few years. In addition, the company has an exceptional track record in food safety, having achieved a top-percentile score from the most reputable food safety certifier in the industry,” Mike Xu, CEO of GrubMarket, said in the release. “This acquisition enables GrubMarket to further strengthen our presence on the West Coast, as well as our sourcing power worldwide. We are thrilled to welcome the JC Produce team to the GrubMarket family.”

Founded in 2014 and focused on connecting the food supply chain in the U.S. and Canada, GrubMarket has acquired over 10 fresh produce businesses and counting. The flourishing food tech company now operates in all 50 U.S. states, as well as Canada and South America, and continues to expand its global footprint.

Learn more about GrubMarket’s recent milestones:

2022

Acquires California-based Daylight Foods: GrubMarket strengthens connection to California farms with latest acquisition ;
Adds Quality Fruit & Vegetable Co. in the Southwest: GrubMarket expands into New Mexico through the acquisition of Quality Fruit & Vegetable Co. ; and
Launches WholesaleWare software suite for wholesalers and distributors: GrubMarket expands network and grows technology platform .

2021

Expands adding seller of domestic and imported fruit, Bengard Marketing Inc.: GrubMarket buys fruit seller Bengard Marketing ; and
Acquires Sierra Produce, South American fruit importer: GrubMarket acquires Sierra Produce .

Have a 'light bulb moment' with garlic

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 13:23:51 GMT

I’m not going to mince words here: Garlic as an ethnic food is long gone.

And anyway, “ethnic” just means anything different from you because all of us have an ethnicity.

Garlic’s popularity spans Italian cuisines, as well as Indian, Chinese, Mexican and ... basically more places than not. But for me, garlic’s ubiquity was solidified when I realized how deeply Mayflower-pilgrim my family’s heritage is, yet garlic is now a staple in my Boomer mom’s kitchen, a distinct change from her Greatest Generation mother’s home. And it’s an everyday must-have in this Gen Xers kitchen too.

Garlic gained even more traction when its health benefits were highlighted during peak COVID-19 pandemic. After climbing in 2019, garlic sales rose another 30% in 2020, according to PMG commodity research.

Most of us treat garlic like an aromatic spice to flavor our dishes. And yes, that pleasing, pungent scent can signal savory, succulence to come.

But botanically, garlic (allium sativum) is a vegetable. It’s part of the onion family, counting chives, leeks and shallots as its cousins.

Learn more: Garlic, the commodity

So where does that leave produce retailers or those trying to sell to retailers?

You must focus on the finer features of fresh.

True, gathering all types of garlic in one section of your produce department can be a profitable strategy.

After all, there are so many ways to buy garlic: Individual loose bulbs in bulk, a bunch in a netted bag; minced in jars of olive oil; jars or resealable bags of peeled cloves; braided whole garlic bulbs; or even pureed garlic in a squeezable tube.

Don’t forget organic too. Nearly one-third of buyers (31%) said they opted for organic garlic at least some of the time, according to The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2022 report.

So, even though Americans consume more than 2 pounds of garlic per person annually, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, slapping down a basket of bulk garlic in your produce department isn’t going to break any records at the store level.

Shoppers want convenience, yes, but they also want — and especially these inflationary days, they need — lower prices. And flavor. Flavor always comes first.

What’s the most garlicky of all types of garlic? Fresh, whole garlic.

Fresh wins in flavor. Every. Single. Time.

On that tasting note, a Mashed article by Angela Gervasi made me laugh, when she stated that minced, jarred garlic is like “garlic in purgatory. This garlic is expensive, oily and seriously doesn’t know what it wants to be. As human beings, we all have identity issues, but garlic should not: Raw garlic should be sharp, bitter and aromatic, and frankly, the jarred stuff doesn’t deliver.”

Read it: The Jan.-Feb. digital issue of PMG magazine

Well, sorry-not-sorry, Angela, I may or may not have jarred, minced garlic in my fridge right now (and I learned at the International Fresh Produce Global Produce and Floral Show that some U.S. garlic companies even offer fresh, preservative-free minced garlic in a jar). But I also always have a bulb of fresh garlic in a basket on my kitchen counter. My energy level can swap my priorities of convenience and flavor.

We are all consumers as well as members of the produce industry, so we can examine our own shopping, cooking and eating habits for clues when making business decisions.

What my kitchen says is that I’m a foodie who wants it all, yet I also make sacrifices sometimes because life happens, and I’m tired.

The bottom line is to offer choices to shoppers but highlight fresh most of all. Signage could say: No preservatives! Grown in the USA! The flavor-first choice!

Obviously, I’m getting excited. Garlic is so good.

Merchandise it everywhere. Use this allium’s white shade for color-blocking with tomatoes and avocados, suggesting Italian sauces, Mexican salsa and guacamole. Potatoes need garlic love too. Place some of your garlic in the meat and seafood departments. Suggest it for marinades. Add garlic mincers and garlic presses to your displays.

This vegetable may be puny and pale, but inside, there’s a powerhouse of flavor loved the world over.

Give garlic the love it deserves.

Spice World marks 75th anniversary with Recipe Roadtrip, $75K in donations

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 17:15:30 GMT

Orlando, Fla.-based garlic provider Spice World says it is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a virtual, cross-country Recipe Roadtrip, $75,000 in donations to regional nonprofits to address food insecurity, and a chance to win a flavor-focused vacation to New Orleans.

The company is sharing the legacy of Andy “Pops” Caneza’s founding the company in 1949 after his return from European duty during World War II, as well as the brand’s journey over 75 years, according to a news release.

Consumers can visit a central landing page for the Spice World Recipe Roadtrip and enter for a chance to win an experiential vacation to New Orleans, where Spice World was born. Each week of the 10-week campaign will feature a new region with facts, history and great cooking ideas, the release said. By voting on a favorite meal idea each week, consumers will be entered for a chance to win.

Participants also will receive an e-cookbook of the most preferred meals based on voting, with meal inspiration arriving in August with the e-cookbook emailed to them, according to the release.

In the beginning

Enamored with the bold and spicy flavor of garlic he experienced in Europe, Caneza borrowed $10 from his fiancée, Ann, to begin selling garlic to local grocery stores in his hometown of New Orleans, the release said. In the 1950s and ’60s, the effort became a family affair for the Canezas, with both children pitching in to pack garlic in the family’s basement. In 1965 a hurricane hit New Orleans and flooded the basement, so packing ensued from one son’s bedroom.

The company today

Spice World says its commitment to excellence is now reflected in the company’s efforts to grow and cultivate its own seeds. Each year, the company evaluates and selects the best seed from the current crop to grow next season’s garlic. Demand for fresh garlic is high, with U.S. consumers purchase 120 million pounds of Spice World garlic annually, according to the release.

To keep up with demand, Spice World says it oversees 4,000 acres of garlic farms in California’s San Joaquin Valley. Beyond California, Spice World “follows the sun” to warm garlic-growing climates around the world to source from farms that adhere to high standards for quality and safety, the company says.

“I am honored to witness Spice World’s growth while staying rooted in the original ethos established by our founder, Andy Caneza,” Spice World CEO Chris Kiser said in the release. “His vision continues to inspire Spice World as we innovate, grow and make a positive impact today.”

Fresh products

From seed to plate, Spice World says it aims to helping consumers elevate the way they eat by delivering garlic and innovative flavors that remove common obstacles of prep time, seasonality and cleanup.

Spice World was among the first to offer a ready-to-use minced garlic in round glass jars, and the company’s squeezable garlic, chopped garlic and peeled cloves are also intended to be timesavers and allow home cooks to easily create rich, flavorful dishes, according to the release. Spice World’s offerings also include zesty ginger and hearty shallots, offered in ready-to-use, peeled and squeezable versions.

Joe Millman joins I Love Produce in marketing

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:40:36 GMT

Joe Millman has joined I Love Produce’s marketing team.

Millman, 20, will be stationed in all of the company’s departments before being assigned to a specific area of responsibility in marketing and sales, according to the company.

He is a sophomore business major at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

He is the son company co-owner and CEO Neil Millman, and nephew of co-owner and president Jim Provost.

Joe Millman handles social media and is also producing a series of videos of co-workers talking about their favorite recipes to promote the company’s products.

Related stories:

Garlic in high demand

California garlic harvest nears with demand riding COVID-19 boost

Jim Provost talks garlic and what lies ahead - Interview April 2

Generation Farms adds garlic to offerings

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:36:53 GMT

Generation Farms , Vidalia, Ga., is adding white and purple garlic to its line of fruits and vegetables.

The garlic is available in net bags, either three or five bulbs per bag with wineglass labels, and in 30-pound bulk cartons. Custom packaging for retailers is also available, according to a news release.

“The current supply is beautiful, with firm heads, and ready for immediate sale and consumption,” Brian Stanley, director of sales, said in a news release.
“We’re sourcing from exclusive grower relationships in Spain, Argentina, Peru and Mexico to ensure a steady, year-round supply of white and purple premium garlic,” he said.

Containers will be arriving at East Coast ports.

The less common purple garlic, which has a stronger scent and taste, is popular with gourmet chefs and food aficionados, according to the release.
Generation Farms grows and markets Vidalia onions , watermelons, squash and other fruits and vegetables.

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Generation Farms adds Michigan, Georgia offices, hires sales veterans

Vidalia growers expect ample, promotable supplies

Fresno County's 2018 production breaks records

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:13:44 GMT

Fresno County’s agriculture production in 2018 hit a record $7.89 billion, a 12% increase over 2017 numbers, with almonds, grapes and pistachios leading the list, according to an annual report from the county’s ag commissioner .

The previous record was in 2014, when crop values totaled $7.07 billion. The numbers reflect commodities for fresh and processing markets, and include row crops, dairy, livestock and other production.

Overall, the county’s fruit and nut crops were worth $4.36 billion, an 8% increase from 2017, topping the $4 billion mark for just the second time. Vegetable production values rose a whopping 54%, to $1.52 billion, about 19.3% of the county’s overall ag production.

The numbers don’t represent net income or losses to the producers, Fresno County Agriculture Commission Melissa Cregan wrote in the annual report.

“Crop values vary from year to year based on production, market fluctuations and weather,” she said in the report. “It is important to note the figures provided in this report reflect gross values and do not take into account the costs of production, marketing, transportation, or other ancillary costs.”

The top 10 crops by value in Fresno County in 2018 (and 2017 rank) were:

Almonds, $1.178 billion (1)
Grapes (including fresh, wine, juice and raisin), $1.107 billion (2)
Pistachios, $862.144 million (4)
Poultry, $596.477 million (3)
Garlic , $435.340 million (12)
Milk, $415.812 million (5)
Cattle, $392.235 million (7)
Onions , $370.384 million (13)
Tomatoes $324.508 (8)
Mandarins , $234.969 (6)

Fruits and nuts

Nuts are an important crop in Fresno County. Almonds have surpassed the billion-dollar mark for five years and accounted for 15% of the entire agriculture production in the county in 2018. Pistachios, which moved up a slot, saw a record crop value, according to the report.

While total grape crop values topped $1 billion, the table grape crop was valued at $409.82 million, up from $359.27 million in 2017. Per-ton prices for table grape varieties dropped, but the segment was buoyed by increased yields and more acres being harvested, according to the report.

Oranges dropped from the top 10 for the first time since 2014, although the total value rose $8.81 million to $212.13 million.

Mandarins’ dramatic drop from 2017 shows a value decrease of more than 46%, with a $197.68 million plummet in crop value — despite an increase of about 1,000 harvested acres.

Vegetables

Two years of lower vegetable crop values were wiped away with a 54% increase, to $1.52 billion, according to the release.

A 34% decrease in the crop value of “standard tomatoes” was caused by price drops from the market being “flooded with foreign imports,” according to Fresno County’s vegetable analysis.

Increased yields and price-per-ton paid for garlic boosted the crop value from 12 in 2017 to 5 in 2018.

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Fresno County crop report shows 6.55% drop in total value

Throwback: From 10 acres of garlic

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:17:20 GMT

Editors note: This article originally appeared in the July 17, 2006, issue of The Packer, when Christopher Ranch was celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Don Christopher says he’s looked forward to Mondays for his entire life -- he gets to go to work.

“Growing and selling garlic was just exciting to me,” he said.

When he talks about Christopher Ranch LLC, Gilroy, Calif., the business he founded in 1956, he uses the word “love” a lot. He loves going to work, growing garlic and expanding his family-owned business.

It’s that kind of dedication -- and willingness to accept change and innovate -- that has helped his grower-shipper business succeed through 50 years.

The ranch, one of a handful of garlic grower-shippers in California, started with 130 acres of lima beans, sugar beets and garlic.

In 1956, Christopher’s father lent him and his brother, Art, $75,000 to help purchase the 130-acre ranch. Art Christopher was a partner, but he was not involved in the ranch’s operations, Don Christopher said.

Don Christopher planted garlic on 10 of the 130 acres during the first year.

The ranch now grows garlic on about 3,000 acres in California’s San Joaquin Valley, Gilroy and San Juan Bautista areas, said Patsy Ross, vice president of marketing. It offers fresh garlic year-round.

Christopher Ranch, which has 300 year-round employees, packs and ships about 60 million pounds of garlic annually, Ross said. Most of it is fresh-packed in bulb form.

Retailers buy about 4 million pounds of the ranch’s fresh garlic each month. Foodservice and some industrial and retail businesses purchase another 2 million pounds of peeled garlic each month, Ross said.

During its heyday in the early 1990s, the company grew garlic on 5,000 acres and shipped 100 million pounds, Ross said.

The company also sources fresh garlic from Mexico, China, Argentina and Chile.

Christopher Ranch sells fresh organic garlic, bell peppers, pearl onions, shallots and cherries, Ross said. It also offers sun-dried tomatoes, dried chili peppers, jarred garlic and other products such as pesto and pickled garlic.

Challenges

Bill Christopher, the managing partner of Christopher Ranch for the past two years, said his father’s passion for the business and his willingness to experiment with processes and products, such as chopped and minced garlic, allowed Christopher Ranch to thrive.

During the early years, the ranch experimented with growing lettuce, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and other crops before settling on garlic as its main product, Don Christopher said.

Don Christopher also was among the first garlic growers to experiment with cold storage. He said the company ruined a lot of garlic before it got the processes right. The ranch also helped establish drip irrigation methods in Santa Clara Valley, Calif., Don Christopher said.

Don Christopher took another risk when he opened a division in France about 15 years ago.

At the time, Don Christopher was sure that the company would be successful in Europe. After all, he said, the staff had built its own equipment that could peel garlic “just a little bit better than anyone else’s,” and garlic suppliers in Europe were still peeling by hand.

He said it cost the Europeans about $7 in labor to peel a pound of garlic by hand at that time. His machines could do it for closer to 50 cents a pound.

He hadn’t counted on the French trucking companies going on strike or the French government classifying his company as a cannery, which forced the company to double its wages, Don Christopher said.

Maintaining operations became difficult and the European market was not good enough to keep the division going. After five years, he shut it down.

Staying in the garlic business in California has been difficult for grower-shippers, too. After Chinese garlic entered the U.S. market, Christopher Ranch had to cut back by about 10% each year for several years, Bill Christopher said.

Several California garlic shippers went out of business because of the competition. Don Christopher estimated that there were 11 major shippers about 15 years ago, whereas now there are less than five.

China continues to be the world’s major garlic producer, but its prices are higher this year due in part to higher labor, transportation and energy costs.

Now Christopher Ranch buys Chinese garlic, and it has gradually cut its production to 50% to 60% of what it was 10 years ago.

Bill Christopher said the company has to import Chinese garlic because customers demand it. If he didn’t sell it, he said he would lose business.

Don Christopher said he thinks California garlic will always be in demand, despite lower-priced imports.

“I think we have to have California product,” he said. “It tastes better.”

Related story:

Don Christopher named 2019 Produce Marketer for All Seasons

Jim Provost talks garlic and what lies ahead - Interview April 2

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:10:48 GMT

The Packer’s Tom Karst visits April 2 with Jim Provost, president of I Love Produce , West Grove, Pa.

I Love Produce is an importer of ginger and garlic from China, and Provost talks about the progression of the coronavirus COVID-19 in China. After major supply disruptions earlier this year, the garlic supply from China is returning to normal, he said.

Provost also discusses the current hot state of garlic demand.

In consideration of the spread of the COVID-19 outbreak to North America, Provost considers what the future may hold for the U.S. in the months ahead.

“When the peak of the virus hit, China was more or less shut down for about two months, so we might be looking at mid-June before we are where they are now,” he said.

“I think people have to understand that they are going to have to be patient and diligent through this process.”

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Isha Ghetia joins I Love Produce as sales coordinator

California garlic harvest nears with demand riding COVID-19 boost

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:37:54 GMT

California garlic harvest will begin by mid-June, but COVID-19-related demand is expected to keep market conditions firm in the weeks ahead.

U.S. average terminal market prices for garlic, all origins, sizes and cartons, was estimated at $82.63 per carton on May 16, up 26% from $66.13 per carton in mid-March and 40% higher than $48.51 per carton in mid-May a year ago.
Wholesale market garlic prices range from $60 per 30-pound carton to well over $100 per carton in mid-May, depending on sizes and quality, said Bruce Klein, sales and marketing representative with Maurice A Auerbach Inc ., Secaucus, N.J.

California dreaming

California garlic harvest will begin by June 10 or so, said Ken Christopher, vice president of Christopher Ranch in Gilroy, Calif.

“We got a little bit of rain last week, but nothing too bad to disrupt our harvest,” he said May 19.

Predicted temperatures in the high 80s should be good for the crops in the field, he said.

Christopher Ranch’s early garlic is the heirloom garlic variety, Lerg, which is slightly milder than the company’s late garlic proprietary heirloom, the Monviso variety, Christopher said.

This year’s California garlic harvest could reach about 100 million pounds, with 15 million pounds of early garlic and 85 million of late garlic.

“We’re expecting a pretty strong crop of about 100 million pounds, and there’s going to be demand for every one of those pounds, if not more,” Christopher said.

The COVID-19 pandemic and closure of foodservice outlets in March substantially changed the customer base for Christopher Ranch.

“For foodservice, we do a lot of peeled garlic, and those orders essentially went to zero the week of the first shelter-in-place,” he said. “The speed at which everything changed was alarming and pretty difficult to adjust to; our customer base shifted from being pretty even between foodservice and retail to be almost exclusively retail.”

Christopher said the company works with retailers across the country to accommodate garlic sizes not normally found at retail.

“Consumers might be seeing a little bit smaller or a little bit larger garlic at the grocery store than what they’re used to,” he said.

Retailers generally have between five and 10 garlic stock-keeping units, with pre-peeled garlic in a one-pound bag, a six-ounce vacuum sealed bag, sleeved garlic and bulk sales common for Christopher Ranch, he said.

“Right now it is all about order fulfillment and taking care of our customers when demand is just stratospheric,” Christopher said.

While the company had intended to carry 100% U.S.-grown garlic for the 2019-20 marketing season, ramped up demand in recent months necessitated Christopher Ranch to import about a third of its garlic from Latin America, notably Mexico and Argentina.

“We tried to take care of orders in May and April, which gobbled up a lot of our inventory of California (garlic), so right now we’re including the Latin American garlic as part of our product mix,” he said.

Last season’s California garlic in storage should be finished by the time the new crop begins, he said. Some consumers have been telling the company through social media that they can’t find garlic in their stores.

“That is anecdotal, and we are shipping a lot of garlic every week; but this is the first (season) I’ve been hearing that,” he said.

COVID-19 effect

Tight global supply and good demand has raised garlic prices, Christopher said. With some buyers avoiding Chinese garlic, Christopher said buyers have been competing for Mexican and Argentine garlic.

Even with foodservice demand showing a slightly recovery, Christopher said retail demand will have the upper hand for the foreseeable future.

“For at least the next six to 12 months, you’re going to see demand far more on the retail side than the foodservice side,” he said,

While demand has been strong during the COVID-19 pandemic for people seeking to boost immunity and cook at home, supply or the lack thereof has played a bigger role in the higher-trending markets for garlic and ginger, said Jim Provost, president of I Love Produce , Kelton, Pa., which imports Chinese garlic and ginger.

“I would say that the bigger part of the equation is the disruption in logistics and workers being able to come to factories,” Provost said.

Garlic and ginger are among the most labor-intensive crops in fresh produce.

“So for the month of January and February roughly when China was shut down (because of COVID-19), that is when that spike started,” he said.

China is now shipping garlic at close to normal levels, but Provost said there is pressure on supplies in other regions because of COVID-19.

“Spain is a major garlic producer, and they had disruptions in their workforce and having to lock down due to the virus that shut their supply down for a certain amount of time,” Provost said, noting that COVID-19 disruptions also have occurred in Mexico.

Now, with new crop supply of garlic on tap from California, Spain and China, Provost said seasonally expanding supplies may take some of the pressure off tight supplies.

However, if the coronavirus makes another surge of infections and factories operations close, “all bets are off,” Provost said.

“There will be enough garlic; its just a matter of (it) being packed and shipped and making it to market,” he said.

The Packer’s COVID-19 Updates

The Packer’s Garlic Updates

Garlic in high demand

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 21:16:47 GMT

Garlic supplies were ramping back up in early summer following a spring when the pungent bulbs sometimes were hard to find.

“For the last two months or so, consumers could not find garlic, or they found garlic that was much bigger or much smaller or more oddly shaped than they are used to,” Ken Christopher, executive vice president at Christopher Ranch , Gilroy, Calif., said in late June.

Some customers were frustrated because the company had to cut or make adjustments to a lot of orders, he said.

“The garlic simply wasn’t there anymore.”

More people eating at home because of COVID-19 quarantines was a cause of the shortfall, coupled with tight supplies from foreign suppliers.

Demand still remained high by the end of June.

“Total shipments are about 30% to 40% higher week-over-week than they were at this time last year,” Christopher said.

The company added a third shift to keep up with demand and had 1,000 full-time workers at the end of June.

Christopher Ranch usually moves a half-million pounds weekly, he said, but was packing up to 1 million pounds of fresh garlic every week to ship to grocery stores and distribution centers across the country.

Christopher said there was no telling how long the high demand will continue.

“As long as the demand is there, we’re going to maintain this workforce,” he said.

California growers produced about 250 million pounds of garlic this year, about half of the garlic consumed in the U.S., Christopher said.

That volume could increase about 10% for the coming crop, based on early results, he said.

Christopher Ranch accounts for 40% of the domestic garlic industry, he said.

Christopher said the highest prices of the year are most likely to materialize in December and January, when demand for garlic traditionally is highest.

Overall garlic prices could dip this summer, said Jim Provost, president of I Love Produce LLC , West Grove, Pa.

“China has a huge crop, so that will impact world garlic prices on the down side,” he said.

“The U.S. has a tariff on Chinese garlic, so the impact here will be less pronounced, but because China exports all over the world, prices in the world market will be less, on average, than last year.”

I Love Produce has good supplies of new-crop garlic from Spain, he said, and he anticipated that retailers will be able to promote garlic consistently during 2020-21.

“The foodservice situation is still questionable due to COVID ,” Provost said, “so we are cautiously optimistic that there will be some rebound in demand as the economy opens up.”

Happy Veg Inc. , a new company launched early this year by partners Cameron Mistal, CEO, and Louis Hymel, COO, imports garlic from Spain, Argentina, Mexico and China, Hymel said.

Chinese garlic is competitively priced, even with a stiff tariff, he said.

“They do a good job on it,” Hymel added.

“It will be interesting to see the consumers’ perception of buying anything out of China today compared to prior to the virus.”

Spain and Argentina ran out of garlic early this season, resulting in tight inventories that caused “a real spike in the market,” he said.

“Everybody started going to Mexico, trying to get as much out of Mexico as quick as possible.”

Maurice A. Auerbach Inc., Secaucus, N.J., ships garlic year-round, said Bruce Klein, director of marketing.

“We source from all over the world,” he said, including California, Spain and Mexico.

The company gets very good quality product from Mexico, he said, but he’s not sure about supplies from Spain this year.

“We heard that there was rain on the plains in Spain that might affect some of the Spanish garlic,” he said.

The firm’s garlic and ginger sales “were crazy for a while” this spring, Klein said. But they have since leveled off.

The Garlic Co . in Bakersfield, Calif., was in the middle of the harvest of its early garlic varieties and was just starting its late garlic the fourth week of June, said Joe Lane, an owner.

Lane was quite pleased with California’s crop.

“It’s probably the best qualitywise we’ve had in six years,” he said.

He attributed the exceptional condition and decent sizing to good growing weather.

The company sources garlic from up and down California’s San Joaquin Valley and the Salinas Valley.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a big impact on the company’s sales, he said.

At one point, foodservice business was just 10% of normal, but it was working its way back to near-normal levels in late June, Lane said.

At the same time, retail garlic sales were up as more consumers prepared meals at home.

“Some people thought it might fight the virus,” he said.

Related:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) News Updates
All things garlic
Garlic & Herbs Marketing

Sales of fresh herbs bounce back at retail

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:37:00 GMT

After being hard hit early in the coronavirus pandemic, the herb category seems to be bouncing back, some say with significant double-digit growth.

When consumers started stocking up on groceries as COVID-19 fears spread across the U.S., some retailers told herb grower-shippers that retail distribution systems and supply chains could not handle the surge in demand, said Steve Wright, chief customer officer for Shenandoah Growers Inc ., Rockingham, Va.

“They decided to shut off herbs and floral and focus on top-selling items like carrots, apples, potatoes and rice,” he said.

As a result, “The (herb) category flattened.”

But not for long.

“Once the retailers figured out the supply chain and got in front of the massive stock-up by consumers, the category absolutely exploded,” Wright said.

Herbs experienced “healthy double-digit” growth, he said, with some retailers seeing sales increase by 50%.

“That’s a good indication that herbs are becoming more mainstream, and that the category is growing,” Wright said.

Wright believes the category will remain strong as families do more cooking at home.

“It’s become part of their lifestyle, part of their culture that we certainly think is going to be maintained,” he said.

Increases affected all kinds of herbs, with basil remaining the top seller and savory herbs used in cooking, like thyme and rosemary, enjoying significant increases.

One of the biggest changes in the herb industry has been the switch from .75-ounce packages to half-ounce offerings, Wright said.

“The market has completely flipped over to half-ounce,” Wright said.

The switch has been taking place over the past two to three years.

“In 2020 the .5-oz has become the predominate size in the market,” he said.

That’s a good thing because the half-ounce size is relatable to recipe sizes and helps reduce waste, Wright said.

“People just don’t want to waste or throw food away,” he said.

Herb sales “are doing very well” for Rocket Farms Herbs Inc ., Half Moon Bay, Calif., said president Nick Bavaro.

The company has seen a 38% uptick in sales over the past three months, he said in late June.

Like Shenandoah’s Wright, Bavaro believes that’s because families are reverting to the practice of eating at home, like they did in the 1950s and ’60s.

“People are really seeing the value of healthy eating,” he said, and not seeking out premade products.

Rocket Farms offers organic and conventional potted and fresh-cut herbs, he said.

Potted herbs are a growing product, he said. If they’re maintained properly, they can last four to six months.

“Nothing is better than having fresh herbs in your kitchen,” Bavaro said.

The company’s fresh-cut herbs are sold in quarter- and half-ounce clamshell containers, and potted product comes in 3- and 5.5-inch pots.

Morro Bay, Calif.-based Vida Fresh has seen a drop in sales of conventionally grown herbs because of foodservice shutdowns due to COVID-19, said Andrew Walsh, CEO.

Sales of conventional product “dropped away significantly,” he said.

However, the organic herb category held its own because it’s aimed mostly at retail, Walsh said.

Even as restaurants started to reopen, foodservice business still was just a shadow of what it was before coronavirus hit, he said.

“We wonder if it will ever return to pre-virus levels.”

Many restaurants won’t reopen because of restrictions on seating capacity, Walsh said.

The ones that do reopen will not be able to make up for the lost business also because of seating limits.

“There’s just going to be less business,” he said.

The company grows 25 fresh herbs in Mexico at the southern tip of Baja California and markets the product year-round, slowing down in summer when California growers harvest.

Walsh does not expect sales of conventionally grown herbs to return to normal levels in 2020 for Vida Fresh, but he said organic business, though not experiencing major increases, seems steadier.

“We are excited about that because we are organic growers,” he said.

North Shore Living Herbs , Thermal, Calif., offers 22 varieties of living herbs in clamshell containers and nine potted options, said Brittney Bubb, creative coordinator.

“We were the first people to come out with the living herb in a clamshell in the wet rack,” she said.

The company also likes to tout its compact 2-inch pots.

Most competitors sell in larger-size pots, she said.

“We’re able to get a higher leaf count in a smaller footprint,” Bubb said.

“Retailers really like that because we’re not taking up a ton of their merchandising space.”

North Shore Living Herbs grows year-round in greenhouses in a highly controlled environment, she said.

“We can keep a really close eye and make sure their environment is exactly the way it’s supposed to be every single day.”

Related:
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All things garlic
All things herbs

Apples, potatoes now included in coronavirus sales loss payments

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:07:44 GMT

Apples and potatoes are among the crops now eligible for direct payments to growers for sales losses in the $2.1 billion in Coronavirus Food Assistance Program funds for specialty crops.

The USDA added those items, along with blueberries , garlic , raspberries, tangerines and taro to the list of commodities in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).

The USDA announced the additions in a July 9 notice . Peaches and rhubarb no longer qualify for payment based on sales losses because of revised calculations, according to the notice.

Apples, initially left out of the program’s component dealing with price declines, are now eligible for five cents per pound. Data submitted showed an industry average loss of 10.9%, above the 5% minimum threshold to qualify for payments for sales losses, the USDA said.

“Many apple growers are hanging on by their fingernails, so USDA’s decision is great news and not a moment too soon,” U.S. Apple Association president and CEO Jim Bair said in a news release. “Growers usually take the risks of weather and markets in stride, but the impact of COVID-19 pushed many right to the edge. We thank and congratulate USDA for this welcome news.”

U.S. Apple submitted more than 30 pages of data to USDA detailing actual sales numbers on more than 43 million bushels of apples, more than half of all the apples marketed in the three-month period outlined in eligibility requirements, according to the release. Price declines ranged from 6.5% to 24.9%, according to the apple association.

The USDA said potatoes were added as an eligible commodity because of data submitted by the industry.

Original prices used by USDA to determine eligibility were for table stock fresh potatoes and not for processing or seed potatoes.

“The industry data show that seed potatoes had a 15% price decline and fresh retail and foodservice potatoes had a 6.7% price decline over the rule stated period,” the USDA said in the Federal Register notice.

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The Packer’s COVID-19 Coverage

Organic garlic sales on the rise

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:36:22 GMT

Sales of organic garlic are on the rise.

Organically grown product now accounts for more than 8% of retail garlic sales, according to The Packer’s Organic Produce Market Guide 2020 .

In 2019, volume increased 12.1% over the previous year, and sales rose 13.7%.

Bruce Klein, director of marketing for Maurice A. Auerbach Inc., Secaucus, N.J., said he has noticed an upward trend in sales of organic garlic for the past 10 years.

The company sources organically grown garlic from California, Mexico and Spain.

Demand is up this year in particular as consumers choose organic items over conventional because they feel it’s safer, he said.

And they’re looking for packaged garlic.

“Rather than picking through bulbs in bins, they’ll pick a packaged item,” he said.

Gilroy, Calif.-based Christopher Ranch grows conventional and organic garlic, said Ken Christopher, executive vice president.

“Every year we’re expanding our organic program as a percentage of our total sales,” he said.

“Ten years ago, organics might have been 5% of our business, today it’s closer to about 12%.”

The company is finding that consumers are gravitating toward a higher-end, premium organic product, he said.

Orlando, Fla.-based Happy Veg Inc . sells organic garlic loose, in net bags and minced in a tube, said Louis Hymel, partner and COO.

“Organic is very popular,” he said.

“People believe they’re eating a little healthier when they have organic items,” he added. “It’s a growing segment within the food industry for sure.”

Bakersfield, Calif.-based The Garlic Co. has had an organic program for 15 or 20 years, said Joe Lane, an owner of the company.

The Garlic Co. produces mostly peeled garlic for processors and foodservice operators.

Demand has been increasing a bit each year, he said.

Buyers want peeled product that is further processed as an ingredient in various food items, Lane said.

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Almonds supplant grapes as 2019 top Kern County, Calif., crop

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:47:14 GMT

The values of Kern County’s top two crops in 2019 switched, with the almond crop higher than the value of its grape crop for the first time since 2011.

That includes almond by-products, and table grapes and raising and processing grapes, according to the Kern County Agriculture Commissioner’s Annual Report , published online Sept. 21. Without almond by-products and non-table grape varieties, the value of almonds still tops grapes, at $1.6 billion to $1.24 billion, according to the report.

The leading crops by sales value in Kern County, and their 2018 rankings, are:

Almonds: including by-products, $1.64 billion, 2;
Grapes : $1.43 billion, 1;
Citrus , fresh and processing: $997.79 million, 4;
Pistachios: $866.7 million, 3;
Milk, market and manufacturing: $570.41 million; 5;
Carrots , fresh and processing: $336.15 million, 6;
Cattle and calves: $269.64 million, 7;
Alfalfa: $140.72 million, 8;
Pomegranates , fresh and processing: $122.1 million, 14;
Apiary: $107.23 million, 9.

Other specialty crops rounding out the top 20 in 2019 were potatoes (11), fresh and processed garlic (13), blueberries (17), onions (18) and fresh and processed tomatoes (20).

Bearing acreage of the almond crop rose 3,000 acres from 2018 to 2019, to 226,000 acres, and bearing table grape acreage dropped 2,300 acres, to 60,400 acres, according to the report.

The overall value of all Kern County agricultural commodities in 2019 was $7.62 billion, a 2% increase from the previous year, according to the report.

The rankings and crop values don’t mean growers of those commodities saw greater or lower returns in 2019.

“The figures in this report represent only gross values and do not take into account the costs of production, marketing, transportation or other ancillary costs,” according to a letter from Kern County Commissioner Glenn Frankauser in the report. “No attempt is made to reflect net income or loss to the producers of these commodities.”

Related story:

COVID-19 adds to Kern County produce suppliers’ concerns

UPDATED: Shooting at Gilroy Garlic Festival kills 3

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:08:38 GMT

(UPDATED 2:40 p.m.) Police are investigating a shooting that has left three people dead at the 41st annual Gilroy Garlic Festival, including a 6-year-old boy.

A man opened fire at the popular food festival on its third and last night July 28. Police say they killed the gunman, identified as Santino William Legan, 19, but are searching for a possible accomplice.

Festival organizers posted a statement on its website July 29 .

“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this horrific event,” according to the statement. “We are offering any and all resources available to support our community and law enforcement. We ask for your prayers and understanding at this incredibly difficult time.”

Tom Nassif, CEO of Western Growers, Irvine, Calif., released a statement on the shooting, calling it a “horrific tragedy” that has affected association members and employees.

“Many of our members farm in the Gilroy area, and we know this tragedy has shaken them and all our members on the Central Coast,” according to Nassif’s statement. “The Western Growers family extends our deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy.”

Shawn Keck, president of the festival, said the festival staff and volunteers are “heartbroken that senseless violence brought this year’s festival to such a terrible and tragic end.”

Keck thanked the Gilroy Police Department for intervening and preventing more deaths, and the first responders and law enforcement agencies who are investigating.

“We are also thankful for the thoughts and prayers and outpouring of support from people all over the world,” Keck said in the release.

At a July 28 press conference, Brian Bowe, executive director of the festival, said Gilroy is a tight-knit community.

“We have had the wonderful opportunity in this community to celebrate our family through our Garlic Festival, and for over four decades that festival has been our annual family reunion,” he said during the conference. “It’s such a sad, just horribly upsetting circumstance that this happened on the third and final day of this year’s festival.”

A motive is unknown, but witnesses said the gunman appeared to be firing randomly with an assault rifle, according to media reports.

Fifteen others were wounded during the shooting. Police said they engaged the suspect within a minute of the first shots. They believe he entered the festival by cutting through fencing.

The boy has been identified as 6-year-old Stephen Lucuiano Romero, San Jose, whose grandmother was also injured, according to media reports.

It’s unknown how many people were one the festival grounds at the time, but organizers say it draws hundreds of thousands to Gilroy each year.

Garlic and grapes make a comeback in PMG top 20

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:34:31 GMT

Pummelos , oranges and strawberries maintained the top three spots on PMG the week of Jan. 11, but mandarins rose from No. 11 the previous week to No. 4, and cabbage , previously No. 12, moved up to the No. 5 spot.

Jan. 4: Strawberries catch eyes on PMG

The PMG platform connects produce buyers and sellers. Below, find the top 20 searched commodities on PMG during the week of Jan. 11.

Cucumbers gained a couple of spots to land at No. 6, while lettuce moved up from No. 10 to No. 7. Carrots rejoined the list at No. 8, and apples fell five spots to No. 9. Specialty burro bananas rejoined the list to round out the top 10.

Navel oranges fell to No. 11 from No. 5 the week before, while bell peppers rose a couple of spots to No. 12. Lemons rejoined the list at No. 13. Specialty manzano bananas slipped to No. 14 from No. 9 the previous week, and specialty Seville oranges fell a couple of places, to No. 15.

Dec. 28: Citrus rules PMG’s top 20

Mushrooms fell to No. 16 from No. 6 the previous week, and honeydew melons reappeared on the list at No. 17. Limes moved up two spots, to No. 18, and garlic came back to the list at No. 19. Grapes also rejoined, at No. 20.

Citrus stacks PMG top 5

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 22:21:22 GMT

Strawberries enjoyed a third week in a row at No. 1 on PMG, while pummelos bumped oranges down to take the No. 2 spot, landing oranges at No. 3. Yellow plums rejoined the list at No. 4, and navel oranges rose to No. 5 from No. 11 the previous week.

Feb. 1: Artichokes, apricots vault into PMG top 20

The PMG platform connects produce buyers and sellers. Below, find the top 20 searched commodities on PMG during the week of Feb. 15.

Chili peppers rejoined the list at No. 6, and apples moved up to No. 7 from No. 14. Asian pears held steady at No. 8. Cucumbers slipped to No. 9 from No. 5 the week before, and manzano bananas dropped one place to complete the top 10.

Jan. 25: Strawberries take the cake — or No. 1 — on PMG

Lettuce fell to No. 11 from No. 4 the previous week, while mushrooms rose six places to No. 12. Tomatoes climbed to No. 13 from No. 19 the week before, and carrots rejoined at No. 14. Burro bananas fell to No. 15 from No. 6 the previous week.

Jan. 18: Tropical fruits and staple favorites rejoin PMG top 20

Bell peppers fell six places to No. 16, while dragon fruit moved up three to No. 17. Lemons dropped to No. 18 from No. 12 the week before, and mandarins fell to No. 19 from No. 7 the previous week. Garlic fell three places to complete the top 20.

Jan. 11: Garlic and grapes make a comeback in PMG top 20

Demand for organic garlic increases

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:29:14 GMT

Marketers moved more than 3 million pounds of organic garlic, and sales topped more than $24 million in 2019, according to IRI.

Income plays a role in organic garlic purchases. Shoppers earning less than $50,000 annually were half as likely to select organic garlic exclusively in 2020 as those earning $50,000-$100,000, according to Organic Fresh Trends 2021.

African American consumers, Asian shoppers and those in the “all other” ethnic group were among the most likely overall to buy organic garlic at least some of the time. Hispanic shoppers were among the least likely to buy organic garlic overall, whether it be periodically or exclusively.

Older consumers were less likely to select organic garlic than those younger than 40. In fact, shoppers age 18-39 were among the most likely groups overall to buy organic garlic at least some of the time, while those over age 60 (and Hispanic shoppers) were the least likely groups overall to choose organic.

Garlic demand increasing, agility required in a fluctuating market

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:26:29 GMT

It’s a good time for garlic, says Jim Provost, president of West Grove, Pa.-based I Love Produce.

Garlic is currently being harvested in Spain and China, he said, “and will soon be in California,” where the state is expecting an “excellent quality year, with good yields.”

“Spain will have good supplies, but size is down in some growing regions,” Provost added. “Overall, there will be good supplies of garlic for the market.”

There are challenges afoot, however, says Kenneth Christopher, executive vice president of Christopher Ranch, Gilroy, Calif. He said demand for garlic is high, but supply is challenge to keep up.

“And, so, we’ve been doing what we can to supplement our California garlic with some product from Argentina,” he said, noting, however, that the logistics problems and delays at ports of late have made for “an incredibly frustrating process.”

As a result, Christopher said, the company has been focusing its efforts closer to home.

“When it comes from a manufacturing standpoint, we as a company have made the decision to focus on near-shoring; that is, focusing on working with partners in Canada and Mexico where we have land ports and it’s much, much more predictable and easier to get essential machinery into our production facilities,” he said. “So, we are renewing our focus on domestically sourced industrial capabilities and domestically sourced products.”

Both companies say they are garnering successful returns on their marketing efforts, too.

I Love Produce, for example, has seen significant success with its annual Halloween-themed campaign, OctCLOVErfest, Provost said. Launched in 2018, the event is known for featuring the company’s mascot, Count von Count from “Sesame Street,” as well as the Mistress of the Dark, herself, Elvira. In a campaign video accompanying the promotion, Elvira shows consumers how to paint the outside of garlic cloves. It’s a fun way of inspiring engagement with garlic in a unique fashion, says Provost, noting that garlic does provide a pretty solid painting canvas.

“We’ve come up with fun ways to decorate garlic because the skin lends itself for painting and decorating as an Easter egg would,” he said.

Christopher Ranch has taken a bit of a different approach to its marketing.

“Going forward, we want to double down and emphasize having the biggest all-American program in the country,” said Christopher.

He said the company has “retooled a lot of our packaging,” as well as its messaging on its website and social media, to really drive home the company’s family-owned, California roots — as well as its American pride.

“You’re going to see the American flag on our packaging, you’re going to see ‘All-American and grown in California,’” said Christopher. “We’re just going to be hitting those patriotic notes over and over again.”