3 months ago
SACRAMENTO, CA -- Is there a shortage or not? So far, so good, at least in the greater Sacramento area, where stores generally report adequate supplies of canned pumpkin, a staple for the upcoming holiday season.
Nestle Baking Company announced Tuesday it expects a holiday shortage of canned pumpkin made by its Libby's subsidiary.
The company blames heavy rains for saturating pumpkin fields in the midwest and making it nearly impossible for tractors and other equipment to operate.
At a Safeway in North Natomas, there were ample supplies of pumpkin filler for holiday pies and treats. But not far away at a Rite Aid store, there were just four cans left on the shelf.
Alma Viguerias of Sacramento said a shortage would be terrible. "I love pumpkin pie - that's Thanksgiving," she said adding that she plans to tell her father, who loves to bake, that he better stock up, just in case.
At Bishop's Pumpkin Farm in Wheatland, there is no shortage of pumpkin or pies. The farm expects to make at least a thousand pies for the holiday. This year the weather cooperated fully. "I guess if there's a massive shortage, I'm sure we can make more," said co-owner Wayne Bishop.
Libby's is warning that when the current year's crop of pumpkins runs out, there won't be more until next fall's crop is harvested.
If worse comes to worst, you can always turn to an alternative. Sylvia Venable of Natomas said she always enjoys one of those options. "Sweet potatoes, yams," she says, adding they are always on her holiday table.
By Dave Marquis, dmarquis@news10.net
News10/KXTV
