Market Update #352

Week 1, 2024 

Lettuce

Organic Leaf and Romaine Lettuce from both East and West Coasts is widely available. Lady Moon Farms in Florida will be producing Organic Romaine and Leaf Lettuce in significant quantities. The production of Organic Lettuce in California has shifted south to the growing regions of Yuma, Arizona and El Centro, California. Organic Iceberg Lettuce and Organic Romaine Hearts are readily available in the southern West Coast regions. Volume and price should remain steady through January.

Celery

California Organic Celery continues to see a steady increase of prices as ongoing tightening of availability is impacting many shippers. Market conditions should return to normal as January gets underway with additional volume coming from Mexico and domestic production in the southern growing regions.

Asparagus

Organic Asparagus has become extremely tight with very little volume coming out of Mexico. This market will continue to increase with no relief until the end of January.

Cauliflower

Organic Cauliflower volume and pricing has been on a roller coaster to start of winter production. While the volatility may continue, promo pricing could be available early to mid-January.

Tomatoes

Organic Snacking Tomatoes, especially Organic Grape Tomatoes, are extremely tight. They are expected to stay this way on all varieties, with Organic Cherry and Medley Tomatoes tight as well. Organic Roma Tomatoes are extremely tight, and the price is rising fast. This market is expected to stay high until the middle or end of January.

Brussels Sprouts

Organic Brussels Sprouts volumes are still restricted, and production costs have remained elevated due to a lack of overall market availability. Growing areas of Mexico will start to produce this month adding to the market’s volume and eventually leading to price reductions. 

Berries

Organic Blueberry prices and supplies remain steady overall, and quality has been nice coming from Peru and Chile. Organic Blackberries remain tight out of Mexico. New plantings with start at the end of January and we should see improvement in supply and pricing then. Quality has been fair to good. Organic Raspberries continue to be limited out of Mexico. Expect low supplies and high pricing in January. The quality of what is available has been nice. Organic Strawberries will become very limited out of Florida and Mexico. Rain and poor growing conditions continue to impact harvests leading to extremely tight supplies. Pricing will be very high and strong in the New Year.

Broccoli

Yuma, Arizona and El Centro, California winter growing regions are starting to produce additional quantities. For the remainder of January, there will be a sufficient supply volume and appealing prices.