Agriculture can often be very challenging, and this year has begun unfolding with many obstacles in California, where drought conditions have forced changes in the areas that Spice World normally plants garlic. The drought also affected the amount of garlic the company planted.

Headquartered in Orlando, FL, Spice World is a leading producer and distributor of garlic and a long list of other herbs and spices. It distributes its products throughout North America and it ships to many offshore countries.

Louis Hymel, director of purchasing and marketing, said that it’s not only a shortage of water that is causing havoc this year.

Louis Hymel and Mitch DeMarco of Spice World with the company’s new Squeeze Ginger at the recent PMA Foodservice expo. “In addition to the drought, abnormal temperatures during the season affected the bulb development stage of the crop in many growing areas,” he explained. “Crop yields are down along with undeveloped bulbs. Then, much-needed rains coming at the absolute wrong time during the harvest affected the quality and/or the staining and the drying stage. Also included in the list of challenges are the lack of available land and a shortage of seed production in California.”

California garlic crop challenges, Hymel pointed out, have opened the door for more imports, especially from areas of the world that have not exported large quantities to the United States in several decades. At the same time consumer demand for garlic is as strong as ever and continues to grow stronger.

“The drought has caused many challenges for the entire agricultural industry,” said Hymel. “Farming is a risky business to begin with, and with the added pressure of unavailable water, many farmers are now being very cautious.”

The result of all factors involved means that garlic prices have been strong for the past few seasons and are expected to remain strong throughout this season.

Spice World made major waves when it introduced its now highly popular Squeeze Garlic in 2010. Soon after, the company added an organic Squeeze Garlic to its line, which has proven also to be a great success.

“Now we have introduced a new Squeeze Ginger product,” Hymel announced. “It’s very similar to Squeeze Garlic. We have brought the convenience of ginger use for consumers to a new level of value added.”

Overall, all garlic items fit well in the marketplace.

“Spice World therefore covers all spectrums by offering garlic for every need,” said Hymel. “Our focus has always been value-added products, and consumers are always shopping for value and convenience.”