While consumer interest in traditional greenhouse cucumbers remains, varietals seem to be increasingly grabbing the interest of today’s shoppers.
“The snacking category for cucumbers continues to grow,” says Sarah Pau of Leamington, Ont.-based Pure Hothouse Foods Inc. This led to Pure debuting two new products recently: the Mini Munchies, a packaged bag of cucumbers that retails for $1.25-$1.50, and the Poco Bites, a bag of cocktail cucumbers that are available year round and retail for $2.99.
In addition, Pure is also now offering the heirloom cucumber in the summer season as well. “We were looking for a variety that is sweeter and crisper than what’s already available marketplace to provide a wider range for the current flavor trend,” says Pau.
Education is needed
That said, expanding the market relies on companies such as Pure to further educate consumers about the difference in field cucumbers versus greenhouse cucumbers, as well as mini cucumbers and cocktail cucumbers. “Our goal is to ensure our customers understand the methods and practices we use so they are knowledgeable of what we grow, but also where it's grown, how it's grown, and why it's grown in a certain way,” says Pau. To date, educational efforts include in-store demonstrations, infographics, micro videos and more.
Foodservice interested in greenhouse cukes
In the meantime, the overall interest in greenhouse cucumbers has been growing. “Retail has been increasing steadily over the years. And the foodservice industry is seemingly transitioning it to greenhouse cucumbers as well,” says Pau. It could be, says Paul, because there’s less preparation needed in the food service industry since the cucumbers are seedless and have edible skin.
Supply strengthening
And for now, supplies of greenhouse cucumbers is looking steady says Pau. “Although in comparison to last year, supply has been lower but it’s been strengthening over the last two weeks,” she says. “It should be steady pending on the weather condition this winter season.”
