The US Market for IQF Eggplant

In 2010, worldwide production totaled 41.8 million MTs, with China accounting for 59% (or 24.5 million MTs) of production, India 25% (10.5 million MTs), Egypt 3% (1.2 million MTs), and Iran 2% (778,630 MTs). In 2010, US production totaled 64,000 MTs, with approximately 98% going to the fresh market and the remainder used for processed products. The US imports a significant amount of fresh eggplant, with Mexico being the primary supplier. From 2006-2011, Mexico comprised an average of 81% of US import volumes, ranging from a low of 38,716 MTs in 2007 to a high of 55,619 MTs in 2010. Honduras was a secondary supplier, with imports peaking in 2007 at 10,093 MTs and dropping to a low of 4,353 MTs in 2011. The US market for IQF (individually quick frozen) eggplant is considered small, with purchases occurring on an ad-hoc basis by buyers. China and Egypt are the top international suppliers due to their large production base and competitive price structure. Secondary suppliers include Canada, Mexico, and the EU, although the EU faces challenges competing in the international arena due to high production costs. Market data on IQF eggplant is difficult to obtain, but industry representatives have provided general descriptions of demand for various types of IQF eggplant. Demand is weak for frozen breaded eggplant cutlets and declining, while there is consistent interest in IQF diced eggplant, followed by somewhat less interest in IQF wedges. The US wholesale prices for fresh Mexican eggplant ranged from a low of US$11.53 per 33 lb. carton in November 2011 to a high of US$60.38 per 33 lb. carton in March 2011, with prices averaging US$15.72 per carton from January-July 2012. The US has published standards and grades for fresh eggplant, but not for frozen or processed eggplant. However, IQF processing plants must meet SQF Certification and pass independent third-party audits that test for food safety and quality. The US market for IQF eggplant is expected to remain small, with competing in the market requiring state-of-the-art processing equipment, high-quality control standards, and a strong relationship with an importer who can locate buyers in the foodservice sector.