Unusual weather along California's Central Coast has made for tight supplies of cauliflower. As supplies from the central part of the state finish up and production transitions to the desert regions, lighter supplies are likely.
“We had an extended period of warm weather through the summer, so we're finding ourselves way ahead of schedule with cauliflower,” said Mark McBride of Coastline Produce. “The weather has now cooled off with the latest storm, and it looks like that will slow down whatever acres are left.” The season in Salinas and Santa Maria is in the homestretch, and supplies will dry up around Thanksgiving.
“With the holiday demand and cooler weather slowing things down, I think there will be additional strength in the market,” said McBride. “Prices are pretty high for this time of year. We've had an extreme market for cauliflower for the last two years, so these prices are kind of unusual but not unheard of.” On November 5, prices for a carton of white 9s from Salinas were between $17.65 and $21.55, and prices for a carton of 12s were between $20.45 and $24.45.
“It's a day to day thing, so things could change tomorrow,” said McBride. “We had a frost advisory for Salinas this morning, so if that's extended then that could really disrupt the supply curve. We'll have a light spot regardless, but there could be a supply gap if the frost comes in.”
