Organic Market Update #219

Week 21, 2021

Grapes

Mexican growers are now harvesting their new crop of Spring Organic Grapes, with first arrivals heating East Coast markets. Quality on the first arrivals has been outstanding, and growers expect that to continue through June. Organic Black Grapes begins shortly, followed by Organic Cotton Candy Grapes in early to mid-June.

Kiwi

Organic SunGold Kiwifruit from New Zealand will be in good supply for the summer and 8/1lb clamshells.

Artichokes

Organic Artichokes are in steady supply, with the Mexican Organic Artichoke deal ending. Product from California shows outstanding quality and promotable pricing available.

Mangos

Organic Fair Trade Haitian Mangos are promotable through the end of the month. Organic Tommy Atkins Mangos are in the middle of a transition as production heads North for the season. Smaller sizes will be more prevalent over big sized fruit.

Avocados

Organic Hass Avocados will be in steady supply, with California and Mexico areas producing. Demand continues to be very strong for fruit. There are good supplies of 15/4ct Organic Hass Avocados in net bags for retailers. Fair Trade Organic Hass Avocados from Mexico will wind down by the end of May. Some Fair-Trade fruit from Peru will be available the beginning of June.

Asparagus

Organic Asparagus continues to be available from New York and New Jersey, with quality rated as excellent. California continues to harvest nice quality and Michigan will begin their season shortly. Overall quality has been nice from all regions.

Stonefruit

California Organic Cherries are now in season, with growers struggling to get continuity at the beginning of harvest. Overall expect decent supplies ramping up for Memorial Day weekend. California supplies will improve in June and followed by the Washington crop at the end of June. California Organic Apricot volumes are improving daily, and by June, they should be in steady supply. Organic White and Yellow Peaches are in steady supply out of California, with limited volumes expected to continue out of South Carolina. Organic White and Yellow Nectarines are also in steady supply out of California. The first California Organic Donut Peaches have arrived with great quality.

Lettuce

Local Organic Lettuce season has begun! PA and NJ production is under way with supplies available for the next four to six weeks. NJ Organic Iceberg Lettuce is set to begin harvest shortly. Organic Romaine Hearts and Iceberg Lettuce continue with steady pricing and availability from California. Look for promotional opportunities on Organic Romaine Hearts.

Watermelons

Organic Seedless Watermelons are now available with exceptional quality. Organic Mini Seedless Watermelons out of Mexico supplies are steady and a great promotional item to start the summer.

Tomatoes

Organic Roma Tomatoes are in steady supply from Mexico and Canada, with excellent quality. Organic Beefsteak and Cluster Tomatoes continue to be promotable on outstanding quality. Organic Cherry Tomatoes will be available with light volume as the Georgia season begins. Expect volume to increase as June approaches. Organic Grape Tomatoes continue to be available with good supplies from Canadian hothouses. Supplies should be steady, but volume is much lighter as Georgia has just begun. Organic Heirloom Tomatoes are also available from Mexico. Quality is very nice, and supplies are steady.