Most of the ginger in North America comes in from Peru and is mostly organic. China remains the other major source, particularly for conventional ginger. However, at this time of year Peru has a clear seasonal advantage in terms of maturity and quality, according to Viva Tierra Organic of Mount Vernon, WA.
The shipper, importer, exporter Peruvian reports ginger is entering one of its strongest quality periods of the year, with fully mature product now arriving in North America. At the same time, however, abundant low-priced ginger is putting pressure on the market.
Unlike many seasonal crops, Peru’s ginger supply does not simply start and stop. Different production cycles mean new crops can begin as early as April, when young and more delicate ginger is typically flown into the market. By June, ocean shipments become more common as the product reaches sufficient maturity to withstand the journey. By this time of year, however, the crop has reached full maturity.
This is now fully 100 percent mature ginger, with peak quality from Peru now through the end of the calendar year.
Despite the favorable quality window, the current market is under pressure because of an excess of Peruvian ginger in North America, partly linked to changes in European imports. New European rules were implemented for Peruvian ginger entering Europe to address Ralstonia. This has adversely affected Peruvian garlic exports, with some European buyers shifting toward Chinese ginger. This is resulting in more Peruvian product being exported to, and flooding, the U.S. market.