Organic Market Update #227

Week 29, 2021

Melons

Organic Seedless Watermelons continue in season from California, with excellent quality.  Extremely high freight rates, however, have kept prices much higher than past years. Organic Mini Seedless Watermelons continue in season from Arizona and California. Quality is excellent and harvests are expected to remain steady through August. “Navajo Pride” Organic Mini Melons from New Mexico will be available at the end of August. Quality is excellent on this melon program that also supports the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry. Organic Cantaloupes are not in heavy supply right now, with average pricing steady on 9s and slightly higher on 12’s. Organic Honeydews are more limited, with 5ct and few 6ct available.

Lettuce

Organic Leaf and Romaine Lettuces are now in strong consistent supplies from New York, Vermont, California, and Canada. For the remainder of July, expect steady supplies and improved pricing.  Quality and availability from growing regions are excellent - expect no interruptions in supplies for the rest of the month. Organic Iceberg and Romaine Hearts have steady production from both California and Québec.  Quality from California has been outstanding, while Québec production is only beginning.  Promotional opportunities on product from both areas will be available through the remainder of the month.

Lemons

Organic Lemons have arrived in a very limited supply out of Argentina and the first new crop out of Mexico is expected by end of month. Supplies out of Mexico are expected to ramp up weekly, and prices should stay high due to 30-40 percent of the crop being lost to a freeze a few months ago.

Peppers

Organic Purple Peppers from Pennsylvania are now available.  Organic Red, Orange, and Yellow Bell Peppers from Canada and Holland supplies are increasing in late July. Quality from both growing regions has been outstanding, and with aggressive pricing, late July is the perfect time to promote Organic Peppers. Organic Green Peppers continue production from the Carolinas and are yielding excellent quality. Organic Mini Sweet Peppers supplies are tightening from Mexico approaching the end of the month. Expect significant price increases as supplies become limited as we move deeper into the summer.

Grapes

Fresh crop California Organic Black Grapes, Champagne Grapes, Green Grapes, and Red Grapes have started to arrive. Overall, an excellent crop is expected, with some newer premium varieties.

Stone Fruit

Organic Apricots have transitioned to Washington with production expected to wrap up for the season by the end of July. Organic Dark Sweet Cherries are in good supply with nice quality. Prices are expected to be steady until the end of the month when supplies will dwindle quickly, and prices rise. Organic Rainier Cherries are done for the season. Organic Peaches and Nectarines are available from both California and Washington, with promotional opportunities expected moving into Washington’s peak season in August.  Organic White Peaches and Nectarines, Red Plums, Black Plums, and Pluots should be in steady supply out of California.

Sweet Potatoes

An Organic Sweet Potato transition to new crop, with Organic Murasaki (Japanese Sweets) Sweet Potatoes the first variety to transition. These fields have been targeted as the highest priority due to the shortage of inventory and should be available for the end of July. Organic Red (Garnets) and Orange (Jewels) Sweet Potatoes will transition between the second and third weeks of August. Organic White Sweet Potatoes will transition toward the end of August/ early Sept. There should not be a gap in supply between old crop and new crop on the Orange, Red, and Whites. Organic Purple Stoke Sweet Potatoes should start up the second week of September.

Jackfruit

Organic Jackfruit from Florida is now available and will be steady through the remainder of the month.  It is a great time to take advantage of the domestic organic season and try this popular meat substitute.

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Organic Broccoli production from California continues to have excellent volume in mid-July. Main supplies have shifted back to California, with Québec growers harvesting to supplement CA supplies. Pricing remains promotable and quality has been outstanding from California. Organic Cauliflower from California continues to yield strong volume and excellent quality.