Organic Market Update #243

Week 45, 2021

Root Season

As the seasons and temperatures change, soups, stews, and roasted vegetables become more popular during the winter, with Organic Roots selections a must. Organic Roots are now available from Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Vermont, with Organic Parsnips, Rutabagas, Celery Root/Celeriac and Turnips in steady supply. Organic Scarlet Turnips are great to add for their color. Bulk Organic Red and Gold Beets are nearing peak season, and Organic Chiogga Beets/Candy Cane Beets present beautiful striping inside when cut. In the radish section, Organic Beauty Heart, Watermelon, and Black Radishes are now available with excellent quality. Organic Sunchokes/Jerusalem Artichokes and Organic Burdock Roots, bulk and retail-ready, are now in good supply heading into winter months.

Citrus

 Organic Grapefruit volumes are starting to pick up out of both California and Mexico, and prices are coming down. The first Organic Satsuma Mandarins are expected next week, and supplies will ramp up for late November and early December. By the end of the month, we should see the first Clementines and new crop California Organic Navel Oranges off to a very slow start with much of the early fruit small sized. December through winter months in 2022 will see the Organic Navel Orange crop in peak season availability. Organic Lemons are in excellent supply with the better quality coming out of California. Most volume will stay in CA with greater promotional opportunities available on 75 and 140 sz fruit. Organic Limes out of Mexico are in excellent supply with good green color and juicy fruit.

Hard Squash

Heading toward Thanksgiving there is a steady supply of Organic Hard Squash out of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Quality has been very nice, and pricing will remain steady through the month of November. Mexican Organic Hard Squash is getting started in a limited way on Organic Acorn and Butternut varieties.

Broccoli

Organic Broccoli supply conditions have turned around quickly in early November. Increased availability, improved pricing, and steady quality should last through November. Volumes look to be strong approaching Thanksgiving, as Southern California and/or Yuma, AZ will begin in mid to late November. 

Fall Fruit

Quebec grown Organic Cranberry supplies and quality are steady and should remain strong through the holidays. Heavy wind and rain have caused a turn in supplies of Organic Pomegranates from California. Many growers are choosing to send all their fruit to processing after rainfall affected the external quality for the retail market. Pricing and supplies should tighten up considerably as we approach Thanksgiving and the end of November. Organic Pomegranate Arils will be available through the winter. Organic Hachiya and Fuyu Persimmons are available, and supplies are starting to ramp up.

Celery

Organic Celery from California has begun to see supplies tighten as production begins to move into the Oxnard growing region, before moving further south in late December and January. While volumes for Thanksgiving are expected to be steady, freight costs to bring product across the country are skyrocketing, which could impact holiday price points.

Mini Watermelons

Organic Mini Watermelons from Mexico are now available, and prices are promotable. Quality has been outstanding.