Greenhouse cucumber production has been challenged in many regions as hot weather hits key growing areas around the world. Even in Canada, it has been very warm, affecting both volume as well as quality. However, suppliers hope that this disruption will be short-lived as the next crop of greenhouse cucumbers prepares to commence.

"Supplies of greenhouse cucumbers are primarily coming from Canada right now," said Daniel Mosquera of Mamamia Produce. "This year has been tough. There has been a lot of heat in places like Holland and Spain which has resulted in a number of issues in production and quality. In Canada, the heat has had the same effect, putting pressure on supply. The new crop is about to cycle into the Fall crop, and we are expecting good supply from this. Soon after, the Mexico crop will begin in November as the winter season approaches."

Market edging higher
With supplies struggling to meet the demand, this has rolled into the market and prices have risen over the past week. "The markets are going up because of the pressure on supply," Mosquera observed. "Last week, prices for English cucumbers in New York ranging between $6.00 - $7.00, this week they are up to $10.00."

He added that compared with last year, volume and quality are lower and only cooler temperatures will relieve the situation. "We need some cooler nights in order to improve supply. Last year saw better quality and higher numbers of cucumbers. It is not just English cucumbers, but all the varieties that are experiencing similar issues."

Persian, organic, seeing strongest growth
Suppliers have noted that greenhouse cucumber demand is overall very strong. However, the strongest growth is in the two categories of Persian - or mini - cucumbers as well as organic. This is wher the consumer demand is sitting right now and producers are struggling to keep up with this growing demand.

"Persian cucumbers continue to see strong traction and the commodity continues to grow," Mosquera noted. "It has now moved from a specialty item to a staple. The same can be seen in the organic category which continues to see more demand each year. Consumers are becoming more selecive and wanting to purchase more organic greenhouse cucumbers, so much so that it has become difficult to meet the demand."

Mosquera added that another variety is steadily growing as well, although is yet to enjoy the volume of Persian or other major varieties. "There is another variety out there now - the baby cucumber," he said. "Its also referred to as bite-size and finger cucumber. They have been available for a few years now and each year they are seeing strong growth."

There has also been a shift in packaging preferences, as more retailers opt for overwrapped trays. "Many are now getting away from the bags and into the overwrapped trays," Mosquera explained. "The reason is that they are getting better shelf life from the trays."

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