Garlic supplies for U.S. consumers are becoming increasingly limited. The Spanish season is set to begin in about a month, but year after year, production in Spain appears to be declining due to climate-related challenges, reports EastFruit.
“At this time of year, we usually import from Mexico, but current production is insufficient to cover the entire U.S. market,” says Ricardo Hernandez of Florida-based Fresh Garlic Produce Corp.
As a result, Fresh Garlic has had to diversify its sourcing, according to freshplaza.
“The shortage of supply from traditional garlic-producing countries has led us to increase our imports from Egypt, ensuring better availability during this tight supply window,” the market expert notes.
Fresh Garlic Produce Corp. is now in its second year of partnership with Mohamed Shaaban of Garlico Egypt, a garlic producer with more than 10 years of experience. Moreover, the slower sprouting rate of this particular garlic variety allows for a longer shelf life under controlled temperature conditions.
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The outlook for the Egyptian garlic season is promising. The bulbs are well-developed and uniform. Additionally, their strong aroma and firmness make them ideal for the U.S. wholesale market.
South Florida is the primary destination for Fresh Garlic Produce Corp.’s shipments, but the company also serves customers in New York and Texas, with plans to expand distribution in the near term.
According to IndexBox, demand for garlic in the U.S. has been growing at an average annual rate of 2.6% over the past decade.
“We’re seeing steady growth in our own orders as well as rising interest from new clients. We believe Egypt will continue to play an increasingly important role in meeting that demand,” says Ricardo Hernandez.
To meet growing demand, the company is aiming for strategic growth and is committed to providing consistent supply from diverse sources.
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