Organic Market Update #254

Week 5, 2022

Cauliflower and Broccoli

Organic Cauliflower supplies have increased significantly from Southern California and Yuma, AZ. Improved weather, and decreased demand due to price spikes have created an abundance of volume. Organic Broccoli harvests from the same growing regions are also improving, as better weather and moderated demand have boosted availability. Quality is expected to remain outstanding, and pricing will improve as February begins. Expect Organic Sweet Baby Broccoli to be in better availability and more reasonably priced this month, while Organic Broccoli Rabe pricing has leveled out entering February

Mangos

Organic Ataulfo Honey Mangos from Mexico are back in season, as Peruvian Organic Kent Mango shipments remain unstable, with limited supplies entering this month. Organic Tommy Atkins Mango production from Mexico will start mid-February.

Cucumbers and Squash

Organic Cucumbers from Mexico are increasing in volume, and Organic Zucchini and Yellow Squash supplies are consistent, although yields are not plentiful, resulting in higher prices. Quality will remain excellent, but pricing is expected to stay high as February begins, with expectations of improvement as the month continues.

Pears

Organic Pears are starting to slow in volume as the USA storage crop begins to dwindle. Organic Bosc, Green Anjou, and Red Anjou Pears should remain available through February. Organic Asian Pears appear to be done for the season, and a new crop of Organic Bartlett Pears from South America could arrive as early as March.

Artichokes

Organic Artichokes will have excellent availability starting this month, especially on jumbo 12ct. Plentiful supplies will provide promotional opportunities at the beginning of February on larger sizes, while smaller sizes availability will remain steady.

Citrus

Organic Grapefruit, Lemons, Minneola Tangelos, and Navel Oranges are in good supply starting February. Organic Blood and Cara Cara Oranges are in a slightly better supply situation. Organic Mandarins continue to be a challenge due to a very short crop, with slightly better supplies available moving into Tango and Murcott varieties mid-February. No promotable volume is expected this season. Mexican Organic Limes continue to hit record high prices with extremely short supplies, which should improve in early March.

Tomatoes

Organic Grape and Rainbow Cherry Tomatoes continue in large volume production out of Florida. Quality has been outstanding, and supplies will continue to remain steady. Making it a promotable item starting February! Fair Trade Organic Heirloom and Darkloom Tomatoes are promotable, with steady supplies and outstanding quality available out of Mexico. Organic Roma Tomatoes will be promotable on outstanding quality out of Mexico and steady supplies.

Peppers

Organic Green Bell Peppers are in strong supply from Florida and quality is excellent. Organic Color Bell Peppers supplies from Mexico have begun to stabilize and should remain reasonably priced for February. Israeli Organic Color Peppers are also available at higher prices. Quality from both regions is excellent. Clamshell Organic Mini Sweet Peppers from Florida are in excellent supply, but colder temperatures will slow down production. Organic Mini Sweet Peppers in bags from Mexico are in great supply, with bulk specialty peppers like Organic Cherry Bomb, Jalapeno, Poblano, and Anaheim Peppers showing steady availability.

Berries

Organic Blackberry pricing will be steady, but short volumes are expected at times due to weather related quality and harvest challenges. Organic Raspberry prices are increasing quickly, as cold weather from Mexico and California have affected harvests, and volumes will be very short. Pro-rates are expected into mid-February at least. Quality has been solid overall on arrival. Organic Strawberries continue to be tight overall, with heavy rains and colder temperatures negatively affecting quality. Expect markets to continue in similar fashion through Valentine’s Day. Mexico is expected to come into strong volume in mid-February, leading to more promotable prices and quantity. Florida continues to have very limited volumes available, and that will continue as frost and heavy rains have hammered growing regions. 

Organic Blueberry supplies are expected to remain tight heading into early February. Late arriving ships, plus delays at the ports, continue to delay volume coming into the US. By mid-February prices should turn with plenty of fruit available. California is also beginning to harvest light volumes, while Mexico continues production. Availability from both regions is light and should increase by late February.