Market Update #351

Week 51, 2023

Lettuce

Organic Leaf and Romaine Lettuces are in plentiful supply, produced from both the East and West Coasts. California production has moved south to the winter growing areas of Yuma and El Centro, and the output and quality are excellent. These southern West Coast regions also provide steady supplies of Organic Romaine Hearts and Iceberg Lettuce. Organic Red Leaf started off a little slowly, but as of mid-December, volumes began to rise quickly, with outstanding quality available on steady supplies. 

Citrus

The supply of Organic Mandarins, including Clementines and Satsumas, has improved, making it a great time for promotion. Organic Navels show strong quality, with larger fruit being more promotable, as prices are dropping for all sizes. Organic Cara Cara Oranges are now available and California’s Organic Lemons continue to show high quality.

Cauliflower

Prices increased in early December due to a scarcity of Organic Cauliflower from Yuma and El Centro during the transition. As the holidays approach, more supply from these growing regions is becoming available, and prices are declining.

Berries

Organic Blueberries are available from Peru, with nice quality and steady supplies. Light new crop Chilean arrivals are expected via air in the coming weeks. Organic Blackberries remain available from Mexico, but lingering El Nino weather has presented quality and pest challenges, causing tighter availability. Expect higher pricing and limited supplies in the coming weeks. Organic Strawberries continue to experience strong pricing and limited availability ahead of the holidays. Mexico and Florida are seeing very light supplies, and Baja also has limited availability. Organic Raspberries will continue to be extremely limited from Mexico, with weather patterns and pests affecting harvests. Expect higher pricing and limited availability.

East Coast Vegetables

In Punta Gorda, Florida, Organic Zucchini, Eggplants, and Green Peppers are still in production. As the holidays draw near, Organic Green Bell Peppers and Eggplant will be priced aggressively due to their plentiful supply, while Organic Zucchini is readily available. Peak season is here for Organic Greens in Punta Gorda, Florida, with an abundance of supply and competitive pricing. Organic Kale, Collards, and other Greens plus Organic Cabbage can easily be promoted during the holidays and into January.

Apples

The new crop Cosmic Crisp Apples are plentiful, with market prices expected to ease over the next couple of weeks. Organic Envy Apples are in excellent supply and large premium Organic Gala Apples are transitioning to California storage. Expect a slight market strengthening moving into the new year. New crop Braeburn Apples from British Columbia will join the organic mix during Christmas week, offering great variety. Washington Organic Opal Apples are peaking on very small and blemished fruit.

Asparagus

Organic Asparagus is in tight supply, with very little volume from Mexico and supplies from Ecuador helping to cover demand. Market pressure is anticipated to continue until the end of January. Prices have jumped up sharply with the sudden decline in harvest volume.