Customers wanting to cook with those attractive artichokes better buy up the vegetable while they can and when they spot them in stores. Even European growers, such as Italy, are having issues with volume. “Supplies are on the low side right now and expected to stay low in the month of April,” said John Scherpinski, Director of Sales for D’Arrigo Bros. Co., of California, “This is due to the excess amount of rain this year.” He expects supply to be higher in mid-May, June, and July. Current produce is coming from the Salinas Valley, the town of Castroville and the Moss Landing area.
Fairly high market
According to the Agricultural Marketing Service, artichokes from South and Central California and Mexico crossings through Southern California and Arizona have generally good quality. “The market is fairly high for chokes this time of year and should continue to stay high despite some quality issues lingering from the winter growing season,” said sales representative, Pete Georgalos for D’Arrigo Bros. Co., of California. He also said current prices are already high and similar to last year. Easter and Mother’s Day demand should increase costs further.
Drier weather is needed to diminish rain-related quality problems. “That will go away once the weather dries up,” said Scherpinski “The weather challenge did seem to extend deeper into the spring this year over last.”
For more information:
John Scherpinski, Director of Sales
Pete Georgalos, Sales
D’Arrigo Bros. Co., of California