Organic Market Update #261

Week 12, 2022

Tomatoes

Organic Beefsteak and Cluster Tomatoes show increased supplies as more volume comes from Canadian production, in addition to that out of Mexico. The Quebec-grown Organic Beefsteak Tomatoes show superior quality. Organic Cluster Tomatoes are readily available from multiple regions into April. Organic Specialty Tomatoes have the following varieties available through April: Organic Campari Cocktail, Apéro Cocktail, Cherry-on-the-Vine, Brites Cherry OTV, and Kaleidos Mini Snack Medley Tomatoes. Organic Heirloom and Darkloom Tomatoes supplies are tightening as weather in Mexico has slowed production. Organic Roma Tomatoes will remain steady as we head into the end of March on outstanding quality out of Mexico. Organic Grape Tomatoes from Florida will be in lighter supply, with pricing holding at the current level. Quality has been outstanding, but yields are off due to the lingering effects of earlier frost. Organic Grape Tomatoes out of Mexico are in a gap period entering the beginning of April. There are better supplies of other snacking types from Florida, such as Organic Rainbow Medleys.

Mangos and Avocados

Organic Ataulfo Honey Mangos are in peak season and have promotable volumes coming out of Mexico. The 12-14ct will be the primary offering, and quality has been excellent. Organic Tommy Atkins Mangos from Mexico are now in peak season, with volumes steady on 10ct and 12ct. Organic Hass Avocados prices showed some signs of easing heading into late March, as more and more shippers come up with fruit, which is a good sign. Organic Fair Trade Hass Avocado supplies will be limited, or even unavailable, due to unforeseen circumstances, as the Equal Exchange Fair Trade program will be ending sooner this year. Challenges with delays in grower certifications are limiting the volume that can be sold as Fair Trade.

Lettuce

Organic Leaf and Romaine Lettuce from Florida has seen supply volumes lighten and higher prices in late March. West Coast production continues to struggle as quality issues have halted desert region production and Salinas; CA production is not slated to begin until late March/early April. Organic Romaine Hearts and Iceberg Lettuce remain limited in supply due to heavy aphids (insect) and sizing issues. With the field-grown Organic Lettuces in spotty supply, April may be a good time to highlight Organic Living Lettuces, as well as Organic Hydroponic Salad Greens.

Citrus

Organic Lemons and Navel Oranges continue to have promotional opportunities but expect the market to strengthen in April when the California season approaches the later parts of the crop. Organic Grapefruit prices will rise as Mexican fruit ends for the season and there is limited availability out of California. Organic Pummelos and Minneola Tangelos have wrapped up for the season, but there are some Organic Blood and Cara Cara Oranges available. Organic Mandarins continue in peak season with the late crop Murcott and Tango varieties. Limited supplies of Organic Golden Nugget Mandarins are in season for late March. Organic Limes out of Mexico continue to be extremely limited with some of the highest prices ever. Supplies should ramp up by the summer and give some relief to the markets.

Warm Veg

Organic Warm Vegetable commodities, such as Organic Zucchini, Yellow Squash, and Cucumbers, have all seen lighter supply volumes out of Mexico. Pricing has increased but is expected to be short-lived. New crop Florida grown Organic Zucchini has begun harvesting, and volumes will increase as April approaches.

Apples and Pears

Organic Pears are winding down out of the Pacific Northwest, but new crop supplies of Import Organic Bartlett Pears are available, with Organic Abate, Bosc, and Red Pears arriving later this month. Organic Cosmic Crisp Apples are winding done for the season and should finish in early April. Three varieties of Organic Apples are showing limited availability: Gala, Fuji, and Pink. Expect prices to increase and transition to imports in early May, with high prices due to elevated sea freight.

Asparagus and Brussels

Organic Brussels Sprouts from Mexico remain in peak supply with promotional pricing available. Organic Asparagus prices are easing, with promotional opportunities available later this month. Quality on both 11lb cases and 28lb cases has been outstanding out of Mexico. Mesh Bag Organic Brussels Sprouts and Pouched Bag Organic Asparagus remain in steady supply.

Berries

Fair Trade Organic Strawberry prices remain promotable on product out of Baja, Mexico. Quality has been solid, and supplies are strong. California product also remains available, and prices are steady. Organic Blackberries are tightening up and will be more limited the rest of March. Mexico is in crop transition and volume will be limited at times. Organic Blueberry prices are rising as the Chilean import deal continues to slow down. Mexico, Peru, and California production continue, but supplies are much more limited. Quality, however, from these regions has been outstanding. Organic Raspberry prices are firming up as crops are in transition. Volumes are steady for now, but prices are high to offset demand and keep supplies available.