Greenhouse cucumber supply is steady, particularly so with a notable increase in product. "This year we've increased our production of mini cucumbers–in particular our Organic Mini Cucumbers–and we are growing them here in Ontario for the entire year," says Ray Mastronardi, vice president of sales for Del Fresco Pure®. "We've seen significant demand for them not only in the snacking category but there is also an increase in customers asking for organic options."
Along with Ontario production, there is also industry production in British Columbia and outside of Canada, in California and Mexico.
As for demand, which right now looks similar to last year at this time, overall the category is seeing increased consumption thanks to a few factors: year-round availability (greenhouse production allows cucumbers to be available even in colder months when field-grown options are scarce); consistent quality (controlled environments result in cucumbers with uniform color, size, and fewer blemishes); sustainability (greenhouse farming often uses less water and land compared to traditional farming, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers); and social media/advertising promotion (increase in content from influencers which increases the demand on the consumer level).
Ray Mastronardi has seen significant demand for greenhouse cucumbers, not only in the snacking category but also for organic options.
Holiday and winter demand
Though getting into the holiday season, the demand for greenhouse cucumbers can vary. "Typically, as the weather cools, consumers might shift their preferences towards heartier vegetables," says Mastronardi. "However, greenhouse cucumbers often maintain steady demand due to their versatility and the ability to be grown year-round."
Meanwhile, on pricing, there is a slight increase in greenhouse cucumber pricing over last year at this time. "The increase in 2024 compared to 2023 can primarily be attributed to higher input costs, supply chain challenges, and increased consumer demand. As these factors continue to evolve, staying informed about agricultural trends will be crucial for both producers and consumers," says Mastronardi.
As the category continues to grow, it's not without its challenges. "The greenhouse cucumber industry is an essential segment of the agricultural sector, providing fresh produce year-round. However, it faces several market challenges that can affect profitability and sustainability, including pest and disease management, market competition, and labor shortages," says Mastronardi.
For more information:
Sonia Klinger
DelFrescoPure
Tel.: +1 (519) 733-6101
[email protected]
https://www.delfrescopure.com/