Organic Market Update #266

Week 17, 2022

Onions

The first of the season Organic Vidalia Sweet Onions from Georgia are now available with nice quality on bulk jumbos and 3lb bags. Transition from Texas Organic Yellow Onions to new crop Mexican Organic Onions has started and new crop product will be labeled as “Organic Yellow Onions” instead of “Organic Yellow Sweet Onions.” Organic Red Onions have already transitioned over to Mexican product with steady pricing.

Mangos

Organic Mangos from Mexico are in steady supply through the Cinco de Mayo weekend, with promotable pricing and many different sizes and varieties to support. Organic Fair-Trade Francique Mangos from Haiti will be available the beginning of May. Organic Round Mangos have rebounded after delays at the border affected availability before the Easter holiday. Tommy Atkins fruit from Mexico has seen good quality in 8, 9, 10, and 12ct sizing. Organic Ataulfo Honey Mangos are in fair to good supply in 12/14ct size, along with a 16/18ct offering.

Melons

Organic Seedless Watermelons are available in cartons out of Mexico. Bins production has started, but prices are very high due to expensive freight. Quality has been looking nice. Organic Mini Seedless Watermelons remain very tight, as Mexico is very late starting this year due to some unusually cold temps. Supplies are expected to be better by mid-May.  Organic Cantaloupes and Honeydews are arriving in both 9ct and 12ct out of Mexico. 

Tomatoes

Organic Grape Tomatoes from Florida are showing better volume and are expected to have promotable opportunities in May. Quality has been outstanding. Florida also has Organic Gold Grape, Rainbow Cherry, and Cherry Snacking Tomatoes in season. Organic Beefsteak and Cluster Tomatoes out of Canada are coming on with stronger volume and better market pricing. Quality has been outstanding.

Stone Fruit

First of the season California Organic Cherries are expected to be available this week and priced on the high side. There may be small gaps between varieties, but a good crop is expected. Organic Apricots are expected to arrive the first week of May, with first Organic Peaches and Nectarines of the season expected the second week of May.

Greens & Lettuces

Organic Greens and Lettuces from Florida have finished except for Organic Green Kale, Red Kale, and Collards. Production from Georgia is expected to begin soon, and supplies from California complement overall supplies. Organic Romaine Hearts and Iceberg Lettuce are producing steady supplies once again from California. With improved harvests, pricing and quality have both improved, and potential for promotional opportunities.

Avocados

The Organic Hass Avocado market continues to increase on Mexican supplies. With Organic Hass Avocado supplies not fully recovered from border delays prior to Easter, grower shutdowns further complicated an already messy market. Prices have jumped even higher and while California fruit is available, product remains very limited.

Citrus

Organic Navel Oranges will continue shipping through early May, followed by a smooth transition to the new crop CA Organic Valencia Oranges, as the Navels wind down. Cara Cara Oranges have finished for the season. Organic Murcott Mandarins have also wrapped up for the season, but there will be come sporadic late season arrivals of Organic Gold Nugget Mandarins. Organic Grapefruit supplies out of California are sizing very small, and large fruit is harder to come by, at much higher prices.

Berries

Organic Strawberry prices are easing down, as production out of California has been ramping up and ideal growing conditions begin to bring on strong supplies of fruit.  By late May to early June, Organic Strawberries are expected to be very promotable. Organic Blackberry prices are also becoming more affordable, as production is starting to pick up and expected to peak in mid-May. Quality has been excellent. Organic Raspberry prices are inching lower as production is beginning to ramp up. Quality has been excellent and expect promotional periods through May. Organic Blueberry prices will remain higher, as imports are winding down and Mexico production is on the decline. Georgia production is starting, and quality should be excellent. With less product available, most of the supply will be on 6oz clamshell packs instead of full pints in early May.