CASTROVILLE, CA - This time of year marks the ever-important transition period for produce companies, as they transport their operations to warmer climes. Ocean Mist® Farms, which is in the midst of transitioning its artichokes and Brussels sprouts, took the time to share with me the ins and outs of this venture. I spoke with Joe Angelo, Sales Manager, to find out more.
“Arctichokes started to transition a few weeks ago out of Castroville to Oxnard, California, and Baja Mexico. Coachella will start the week of December 8,” he shared with me. “We are currently growing artichokes in three regions and our Brussels sprouts will not transition to Coachella until the middle of December. All other crops will transition from Salinas to Coachella this week and next.”
Although the state of California has experienced slightly chilly conditions, Joe assured me that the growing conditions in Coachella have been ideal.
“Eastern Yuma did receive some rain recently, but we do not expect there to be any significant issues going forward,” Joe remarked.
Throughout the transition, I asked Joe what fluctuations he’s seen in the market and how quality has fared.
“Due to an overlap in growing regions, we have seen markets decline over the last few days and expect that trend to continue into the Thanksgiving holiday week. However, good, steady supplies and excellent quality are expected for the next several weeks,” he stated.
Due to strong promotable volume on most of Ocean Mist’s categories, Joe urges retailers to buy with confidence. With strong quality in the new growing regions, there’s no time like the present.
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