Organic Market Update #249

Week 51, 2021

Specialty

Organic Pitahaya Dragon Fruit from Ecuador will be available through the end of the year in limited quantities. This variety has a yellow skin/ white flesh and is regarded as the sweetest of Dragon Fruit varieties. Organic Royal Star Papayas production from Mexico has slowed, with overall quality rated as excellent. Organic Young Thai Coconuts are now available following some container delays. Organic Eggfruit, Organic Starfruit (Carambola), and Organic Green Smooth Skin Avocados out of Florida are now available, while avocados production will be winding down very soon.

Green Beans

Mexican Organic Green Beans quality is outstanding with pricing close to its conventional counterpart. Costs are expected to increase and return to normal levels for January.

Brussels Sprouts

Organic Brussels Sprouts out of Mexico show good supplies and consistent pricing while quality remains strong. In January, seasonal shippers begin their programs and Organic Brussels Sprouts in mesh bags return.

Apples

The flow of Organic Apples out of the Pacific Northwest has been impacted by sporadic holiday packing and tight truck rates.  Expect stronger prices well into January before pipelines refill and truck prices are expected to ease slightly.

Berries

Due to rain in California and Mexico, expect high Organic Blackberry, Raspberry, and Strawberry prices in early January with some occasional quality challenges.  Prices should come down the middle to end of January when Fair Trade product ramps up out of Baja, Mexico. Organic Blueberries are now in season from Argentina at reasonable prices. Mexico has some production on high-quality Organic Blueberries with premium pricing projected.

Tropicals

Organic Hass Avocado supplies have quickly tightened out of Mexico, with 60ct fruit showing significant price increase.  48ct fruit also saw costs rise over the past week. 48ct and 60ct Organic Fair-Trade Hass Avocados from Mexico will be in steady supply through the end of the year. The Organic Mango season is quickly ending, with quality issues starting to pop up.  Peru is not ready to start with fruit, so there will be potential gaps for the start of the new year. California has some late Organic Keitt Mangos that will be available, but quality is no longer in peak season form.

Hard Squash

Organic Hard Squash has made the transition over to winter Mexico growing regions, with Organic Acorn, Butternut, Spaghetti, Delicata, and Kabocha varieties available. Organic Butternut and Delicata Squash supplies are more limited with higher pricing. Other varieties are in good supply with excellent quality right now.

Lettuce

Florida grown Organic Leaf and Romaine Lettuce continue to yield excellent supplies with outstanding quality. As the new year approaches, promotional opportunities will be available to kickstart “diet season”! AZ and SoCal Organic Romaine Hearts and Iceberg Lettuce supplies continue to improve, with prices reflecting increased availability.