FIREBAUGH, CA - I am a firm believer that onions should be a part of every eating experience. It seems that many consumers would agree as the category remains as a top sales driver in the produce department. Peri & Sons Farms is one onion grower I can always count on for an insightful read on the market, and recently had the chance to chat with Jessica Peri, the company’s Retail Sales Manager.

“We are at the tail end of our storage crop supplies and are focusing on both organic and conventional white, yellow, and red onions as well as a few sweet onion varieties,” Jessica began. “Our storage season has been great with good quality and strong retail demand.”

Peri & Sons grows its premium crops out of Yerington, Nevada, El Centro, California, and Firebaugh, California. Jessica stated that the industry is currently seeing promotional volumes as storage crop supplies still remain while Mexican supplies begin to enter the U.S. market with high volume. Peri & Sons is in a slightly different position, holding supplies until its El Centro-grown onions are ready in late April.

“Last year’s prices were strong due to COVID-19 pantry stocking,” Jessica said. “This year, with many restaurants being closed, demand, and in turn, pricing, is down. We have seen an increase in retail demand, but it has not entirely made up for the lack of foodservice business.”

The grower has taken these unique retail behaviors in stride despite challenges in forecasting. Peri & Sons reports that this season’s Sweetie Sweet (July–November) and Sunions (December–February) seasons were a huge success. As a growing segment of the company’s business along with organics, this is a testament to how Peri & Sons is able to expertly navigate the market.

As we wait to see how the onion market shifts in the coming months, keep reading the latest reports from ANUK.

Peri & Sons Farms