Organic Market Update #247

Week 49, 2021

Mandarins

It’s California Organic Mandarin season and Organic Satsuma Mandarins are in excellent supply for December, with very nicer flavor.   Available in bulk cases, Satusuma Mandarins can be sold by the pound on loose displays or in random weight store-packed totes. Organic Clementine Mandarins are available in bulk cases, 12/2lb pouch bags and 15/2lb net bags. Bulk Organic Satsuma and Clementine Mandarins are also in good supply, but the market should show some tightness for a week or two as we move into Organic Page, Tango, and Murcott varieties for the bulk of the deal.

Peppers

Organic Red, Yellow, and Orange Peppers from Israel are in steady supply, as pricing remains consistent on outstanding quality. The biggest challenge remains airfreight as decreases in air space have created increased costs and more challenges for on time arrivals. Mexican Organic Red, Yellow, and Orange Peppers will remain minimal in volume until mid to late December.

Citrus

California Organic Citrus season continues to ramp up, as the winter crop of Organic Navel Oranges will be lighter in volume overall compared to prior years. Organic Blood Oranges and Meyer Lemons are coming into peak season, starting in mid-December.

Fall Fruit

Organic Pomegranates will be very tight through most of December, while Organic Pomegranate Aril supplies will be steady. Organic Hachiya and Fuyu Persimmons will be in stock, but supplies will start to dry up before the holidays. Organic Cranberries are in moderate supply for December and expected to sell out for the holidays.

Broccoli/Cauliflower

Organic Broccoli is now coming from growing regions in Southern California and Yuma, AZ. Improved quality and good supplies should be available in early December with improved pricing, and promotional opportunities. The Organic Cauliflower transition south to the SoCal/Yuma, AZ growing regions has also begun, with strong supplies. Quality will remain less than ideal until the transition to southern growing regions is completed.

Green Beans

Organic Green Beans are in steady supply during early December with improved pricing. Strong volumes from Mexico will provide potential promotional opportunities, while production from Florida will also be available with steady supplies.

Greens and Lettuces

Organic Greens from FL are in full production, with strong, steady supplies expected moving forward. Organic Rainbow Chard, Green and Red Dandelion, Collards, and Green and Red Lacinato Kale have excellent quality and volumes are good Organic Green and Red Mustard Greens, Mizuna, and Tatsoi are expected to begin harvesting in early December to round out FL offerings. Fresh crop winter plantings of Organic Leaf and Romaine Lettuce from Florida have started with excellent supplies and quality. Organic Romaine Hearts and Iceberg Lettuce supplies have improved, but pricing remains elevated. As December continues and volumes grow, price decreases are expected.

Mushrooms

Organic Mushrooms continue to be in light volume. Growers raised pricing during November and continue to battle a slew of input cost increases, a major labor shortage, and other supply chain challenges. Meanwhile demand remains strong and occasional prorates should be expected.

Tropicals

Organic Hass Avocados continue in steady supply, with 48ct and 60ct Organic Fair-Trade Hass Avocados from Mexico in steady supply for early December. Ecuador Organic Mangos are available, with supplies a little lighter towards the end of the month. Organic Royal Star Papayas from Mexico have made a comeback and are steady in supply.