The fresh domestic garlic crop, produced almost entirely in California, is anticipated to be good this year. Depending on the region in the state, harvests will run throughout late June.
However, the garlic industry — growers, importers, wholesalers and distributors alike — always keep their eyes on the Chinese garlic crop. As the world’s largest garlic producer, China tends to control market prices.
“We believe that China’s crop is very large, with numbers reported to be record-breaking,†said Louis Hymel, director of purchasing and marketing for Spice World, based in Orlando, FL. “Some areas in China did experience some quality issues, however. Despite that, with the high volume produced there, the crop will still be very large.â€
He added that like every year, there are many unknowns about the upcoming garlic crops around the world, or the effect they will have on pricing in the United States.
“U.S. duty rates, which are established by the U.S. Department of Commerce, are subject to change, and those rates affect prices,†noted Hymel.
Spice World is a leading producer of California garlic. In early June, Hymel said that the crop was looking nice and the company was gearing up to start harvesting.
“Without any unforeseen surprises from Mother Nature, it should be a good harvest with good yields,†he said.
The company grows in several regions in California, so it’s harvest periods differ. The majority of Spice World’s crop is harvested during the third and fourth week of June.
Hymel said that like just about any fresh harvested item, people like fresh garlic as compared to stored.
“But when garlic is properly cured, put into proper storage, maintained in perfect conditions and monitored — such as in our custom-built garlic cold storage rooms — it can be difficult for most consumers to tell the difference,†he explained.
Spice World’s Squeeze Garlic and Squeeze Ginger continue to increase in popularity and demand. The products, also offered in organic options, are now a common condiment in kitchens and foodservice operations across the nation.
“In addition to Squeeze Ginger, we are also now selling fresh ginger,†said Hymel.
Bill Christopher, president of Gilroy, CA-based Christopher Ranch, concurred about the Chinese garlic market this year.
“We’ve heard that it’s another big crop,†he said. “Growers there had a late rain, so some of the crop got a little wet. They are expected to ship fresh garlic with no problem but peeled will take a bit longer.â€
He added that market prices for both peeled and fresh garlic are very low — possibly the lowest in a decade.
“A shipper was given a low duty rate in what we can only refer to as an unfortunate judgment call by the U.S. Department of Commerce, and they’re taking advantage of it,†explained Christopher. “The duty rate could hold for another approximate year-and-a-half, so it’s going to be a tough go for all domestic growers unless China has a late crop issue.â€
Christopher Ranch is a leading California garlic producer, and Christopher agreed that this year’s crop is expected to be good.
“California-grown garlic is known for its superior and more intense flavor,†he said. “And it’s the safest garlic on the market. While there’s no disputing these claims, some people still shop for the cheapest garlic.â€
Juan Pablo Lozano of Miami-based Garland Food also agreed with reports about the size of this year’s Chinese garlic crop.
“It’s a big crop, and it apparently is very good quality,†he said. “The large volume will make prices weak in the U.S. There is more than one shipper, with no or very low duties. This means that fresh garlic will be pretty cheap based on the huge volumes expected.â€
He added that the market can expect to see low pricing because fresh Chinese market will be available everywhere.
In addition to typically being higher in price than Chinese garlic, Lozano said that California garlic is additionally burdened by freight costs to the eastern United States.
Mexico, he pointed out, is shipping nice quality peeled and fresh garlic at very low prices currently.
“Spain is also shipping strong, and there are many shippers in this deal,†he said. “With so many different origins, there will be a lot of non-Chinese product available, and this too will affect prices. There are too many players in the game and under the same umbrella. It’s going to be pretty competitive to acquire product.â€
Maurice A. Auerbach Inc., based in Secaucus, NJ, is the largest garlic and specialty produce distributor in the Northeast. Paul Auerbach, company president, said the new crop and harvest in Mexico and Spain were beginning in early May.
“California will start soon, behind,†he said. “We handle garlic from all production areas, but with strong concentrations from California, Argentina, Mexico, Spain and China.â€
Maurice A. Auerbach’s line includes all types of fresh, peeled and jarred garlic in every package type and size available. It ships its products under the AuerPak brand name.
“One common theme this year is there is less larger size garlic expected,†said Auerbach. “Spain had rains around harvest time, which has slowed them down a little and might hurt the yields. Because they are running a little behind, the full assessment is not yet in. Spain, however, remains very active in our marketplace.
“The overall market is lower this year than it has been in the past few years,†he added.
Most agree that every year in the garlic business is different, and it’s impossible to foresee exactly how the market will perform. A year with decent runs from all points of origin, with no or limited quality issues, is one for which most hold out hope.