Key eggplant-growing regions in Mexico experienced their first freeze since 1957 in early February, severely damaging the eggplant crop in that country, Guglielmi said. That freeze came two months after a similar freeze wreaked havoc on Florida crops, including eggplant. Other vegetables affected by the poor weather include tomatoes, green peppers, yellow squash and zucchini.
Dorothy Lane Market has been “hit or miss” in its ability to stock eggplant, and prices have doubled on the large eggplants the store is able to bring in, according to Jose Manzano, who oversees produce departments at the local three-store grocery chain.
Kroger spokeswoman Rachael Betzler said her company’s grocery stores “are receiving product, but orders have been adjusted to smaller amounts” due to the shortage. Betzler said Kroger has been able to stock baby eggplant that is grown in hot houses in Canada.
Grocery store officials say the eggplant shortage should be short-lived.
“The good news is that Florida production will increase in the next 10 to 14 days, so there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Guglielmi said. “Canadian and European (Holland) production of specialty baby eggplant has also started, and we currently have baby and graffiti eggplant available in our stores.”
Kroger’s Betzler said, “We should be back in business at 100 percent in the next seven to 10 days.”
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2258 or mfisher@DaytonDailyNews.com.
About the Author
