Brussels sprouts shippers in the Pacific Northwest are gearing up for the start of their season in less than two weeks. Despite some unusually warm days, the weather in the region has been largely helpful to growing conditions. Volume and quality are looking good and harvest is expected to begin on time. 

"We will start shipping Brussels sprouts by late August, continuing through the Holiday season," said Tony Wisdom of Valley Pride Sales in Washington. "The harvest is beginning on time this year and load volumes are expected to begin September 1st. Weather conditions have been good and the crop is looking very nice. The Northwest corner is in the ideal growing climate. There is a nice swing between warmer days and cool nights which brings great color and flavor to the Brussels sprouts."

Market to pick up in parallel with cooler weather

Suppliers predict that once cooler weather arrives, demand will pick up and the market will strengthen. For now, the market is sitting pretty well considering it is one of the slower times of the year. According to Wisdom, consumers are being more resourceful with Brussels sprouts and using them in a greater variety of dishes.

"In general, Brussels sprouts continue to be popular for consumers in the United States," he explained. "We continue to see growth every year as the vegetable is being used more and more. People are experimenting with them, using them in salads for example, which is helping summer demand. Overall, consumer are more accepting."

"The market is very stable right now, not too high or low," he continued. "Movement will likely pick up once consumption increases which is typically with cooler weather. We already have a lot of product booked up for the season before it has even commenced which is a positive sign."

New bags for this season and new cooling facility for Valley Pride
Valley Pride has been busy with a few new developments for the upcoming year. This year, they are introducing a new package. The form, fill and seal package comes in 2lb and 1lb configuration and will be sold under the "Skagit Valley Farm" label. Bulk product will still be available and will continue to be sold under the Valley Pride label.

"We will be introducing a form, fill and seal pack for the first time this season," Wisdom shared. "Predominantly they will be in a 2lb pack, but 1lb is also available and both of these will be under the Skagit Valley Farm label."

Additionally, the company is currently building a new cooling and operations facility. The idea is to centralize all their packing and shipping operations into one, large facility wher trucks can load all their shipments in one go instead of driving around to different locations. This will save them a lot of time, not just for the loading itself, but also contribute to more efficient driving hours. The new facility will be ready by the middle of the 2019 season.

"The new cooling facility will consolidate all our operations, which are currently scattered across the valley," Wisdom said. "We are trying to facilitate more efficiency by loading out of one place. By having plenty of staff and loading docks, trucks will not be waiting for an open space. Our goal is to load a truck in less than 20 minutes, and with the new E-log regulations, this will help them immensely. We want to be the preferred shipper and invite new customers to try us out."

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