Organic Market Update #242

Week 44, 2021

Berries

Organic Blueberries are in plentiful supply in both 6oz and pints as Peru, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile are all shipping fruit. While markets have eased considerably, port delays could impact supply for short periods. Organic Blueberries volume out of Oxnard, CA is light and expected to stay that way until the new year. California Organic Blackberries are expected to decline in supply with high prices for the remainder of the year. Supplies out of Mexico are expected to see a rebound heading into November barring any unexpected weather events. Organic Raspberries are expected to be in firm, but steady, supply for the next few weeks, with a decline in supply and increase in prices for the remainder of the year. Organic Strawberry supplies are taking significant dips due to rain in Northern CA and light supply in other regions. Prices are skyrocketing and expected to continue until late December, when Baja production will start to ramp up.

Tropicals

Organic Hass Avocado supplies were affected by heavy rainfall from a hurricane that passed through Mexico growing regions which caused a halt in harvesting and prices to climb. Overall supplies remain steady, and the pricing increase appears temporary, as 48ct fruit is now peaking in availability and will remain steady well into November. Organic Fair-Trade Hass Avocados from Mexico will be in steady supply on 48ct fruit, while 60ct fruit will temporarily be tighter. 12ct Organic Keitt Mangos out of California are now available, and supplies should last into November. Organic Royal Star Papayas from Mexico will be promotable heading into November. This flavorful papaya is quickly becoming a favorite as it is gains in consumer popularity.

Tomatoes

Organic Cherry Tomatoes are now available on limited supplies, with higher prices expected on premium quality. Organic Rainbow Cherry Tomatoes are available from Florida, with excellent quality. Organic Grape Tomatoes are available with good supplies out of Florida and quality has been excellent. Organic Beefsteak Tomatoes market remains steady, with demand stronger than supply, as Canada has little to no production, and Mexico has only light supplies on the smaller sizes. Organic Cluster Tomatoes have excellent quality and are in steady supply out of Mexico. Organic Campari Tomatoes are also available out of Mexico. Supplies have been steady, and quality has been very nice. Organic Roma Tomato prices continue to be high, as production from Mexico is just beginning. Better availability and pricing are expected through November.

Brussels

Organic Brussels Sprouts production from Mexico remains consistent entering November. Pricing is expected to remain unchanged in early November, while quality remains outstanding. As Thanksgiving approaches, expect supplies and pricing to improve.

Peak Season Apples

With the Organic Apple harvest in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia wrapping up, November through January will be peak season for packing, shipping, and displaying the best of the 2021 crop. Harvest volume is down versus the original projections, with less Organic Gala and Honeycrisp Apples available, but opportunities remain to promote. Harvest volume is down versus the original projections with less Organic Gala and Honeycrisp Apples in particular, but there should still be plenty to promote.

Potatoes and Onions

The first of the season Manitoba grown Organic Red and Gold Potatoes are now available, with exceptional quality. Promo pricing on Organic Red, Gold, and Russet Potatoes is available in the next couple of weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. The transition to Nevada grown Organic Sweet Onions has started in early November. 

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Organic Broccoli will continue to be expensive kicking off November. California continues to experience limited harvests and sub-par quality, with conditions not expected to improve until mid-November when winter growing regions begin out west. Excellent quality East Coast supplies from PA, VA, and NC are available to help supplement California production. Organic Cauliflower supplies from California have not experienced the same shortages as Organic Broccoli. With steady supplies available at a slightly elevated price. Pennsylvania production is available, and quality is outstanding. Expect light supplies of Lancaster County, PA Organic Colored Cauliflower to add a splash of color to displays.

Cucumbers

Organic Cucumber supplies from Florida remain limited in early November on outstanding quality. Mexican supplies will be available with promotable pricing in early November and continuing through the month. Organic Euro Seedless Cucumber prices will be promotable in early November. New areas from Canada and Mexico have kicked in with supplies coming on.  Quality has been excellent.

Asparagus

Organic Asparagus prices continue to come down as production out of Mexico gets stronger. Quality has been excellent. Argentina production is finished for the season.