WSET.com - ABC13Another Pumpkin Shortage? by Lyndsay Tapases

Ok, it may be a little too early to start talking about pumpkin season, but after all, the official beginning of Fall is just under a week away. One of my favorite things about the fall season is pumpkin-flavored items (pie, doughnuts, muffins, bread, even coffee!) so when I went on a hunt yesterday to buy some canned pumpkin, you can imagine my disappointment upon discovering that it was nowhere to be found. I was puzzled at first, but then remembered hearing a story earlier this week alluding to the fact that we may be in for yet another pumpkin shortage this fall!

Nearly 95 percent of all American-grown pumpkins that are commercially prepped, cooked, and canned, come from Central Illinois. For the past two years, too much rain during the summer growing season, especially during the key month of June, has led to a poor pumpkin yield, and this past summer has been no different. The state saw on average 16.7 inches of rain over this past summer, which is more than 5 inches above average, and made for the sixth rainiest summer on record! Too much rain is detrimental to the pumpkin crop for a few reasons: it leads to rotting in the fields, keeps the bees away (which are needed for pollination), and leads to muddy fields which tractors have a hard time getting through.

Last year, Libby's brand, which is responsible for 87 percent of the canned pumpkin sold from September to December, had sent out their last shipment of pumpkin well before Thanksgiving, as part of the crop went un-harvested due to the muddy fields. Usually, there is enough pumpkin left over after the holiday season to supply grocery stores year-round. Although Libby's and other pumpkin growers added extra crop acreage this season in preparation, and don't expect the shortage to be as bad as last year, they still say the supply and demand may be tight.

In an article posted yesterday, a spokeswoman for Libby's says that this season's pumpkin is on its way, and should start appearing back on grocery shelves starting next week. In the meantime, for those who can't wait and are willing to dish out some extra cash, the Libby's brand canned pumpkin is available on eBay. As for me, I think I'll wait it out the extra week and hope for the best!