Ice melt strategy: buy early

Two winters ago, the ice melt situation was a logistical challenge of the highest order. Last year, the flow of ice melt improved, but not by much.

At the Do it Best May Market here, the topic of ice melt distribution rose again, with some mixed views about the degree of expected shortages in the future. But there was a consistent piece of advice: buy early.

“We already know that in October and November, people will be scrambling,” said John Wesolowski, senior VP of Milazzo Industries, based in Pittston, Pennsylvania.

He pointed to reasons that will work against the smooth shipment this upcoming winter. One is the diversion of liquid brink to the hydraulic fracturing fields in gas fields around the country. Another is the labor unrest in Israel, where significant quantities of magnesium chloride are harvested. Both materials factor in ice melt products, according to Wesolowski.

Basic road salts will probably fare better than more effective DIY ice melt products, Wesolowski said. But his advice is simple: buy early.

That advice was echoed during the co-op’s Merchandising Market Preview.  Lawn & garden buyer Gary Loosle said last season was the second consecutive winter of record sales for ice melt. And while manufacturers will be better prepared for preseason orders, the time to buy is now in order to capture the best deals.

Several companies had deals at the market, including Milazzo. Compass Minerals (formerly North American Salt), Kassouni, ES Deicing and Dando.

According to Milazzo’s Wesolowski, the business has changed over the years to require a degree of  advanced planning and purchasing. “People used to say, ‘Put me down for 25 loads, I’ll let you know when I want them,’” Wesolowski said. “Those days are long over.”