Third-generation G&R Farms based in Glennville, GA, is currently shipping 2024 Vidalia onions out of storage as the company transitions to new crop sweets from Peru.
According to Steven Shuman, G&R’s GM and VP of Sales, the longer-than-usual Vidalia season slowed the switch to Peru just a bit.
“We received our first containers from Peru this week,” Steven said on Aug. 28. “We actually delayed bringing the first ones in this year due to our Vidalia season being extended further than normal. We were blessed with a wonderful Vidalia crop this year.”
He said Mother Nature was exceptionally well-behaved, noting, “Weather conditions for our growing season and harvest season were about as good as we could ask for. Yields were up tremendously over most years, and the quality has been excellent. We are actually still working out of storage on our last Vidalias, and we anticipate having them for a few more weeks. Based on our current remaining storage volume, we should have Vidalias until roughly 9/20-9/25.”
Steven added, “This could change by a week or so either way because it hinges on the weekly movement staying the same and quality holding up as well. Once we deplete our Vidalia inventory, we will make a full transition to Peru product for all our customer base.”
Peru, he said, looks like a great encore to the Vidalia season.
“As far as the Peru crop, we were on the ground there about three weeks ago and got a firsthand look on what to expect this season. As everyone knows, last year had its challenges in Peru due to weather issues keeping the crop from sizing up and also decreased volume out of that region,” he said, going on to note that 2024 looks to be a great turnaround.
“This season appears to be much different so far. The sizing looks to return to a more normal season, and the volume out of the region appears to be plentiful. The quality of the crop appears to be excellent as well – so barring any unforeseen changes in weather or other measures that could affect the crop, we hope to be in for an outstanding Peru season this year.”
Steven added, “We are not currently doing any promotions, mainly because we have not transitioned yet, but we may look at doing some as we approach the holiday season.”
