Organic Market Update #299

Week 49, 2022

Lettuce

Good news on the Organic Lettuce front as Florida is now harvesting high-quality fresh product out of Punta Gorda. Organic Romaine Lettuce is promotable, and quality is excellent. Organic Green and Red Leaf Lettuces are also available, with steady and consistent supplies. Out of the western winter growing regions of Arizona and Southern California, Organic Lettuces and Romaine Hearts will finally feature better volumes by mid-December, bringing prices back down from the high levels experienced in November.

Berries

Organic Blackberry supplies remain strong though prices are heading upwards. There may be spot buys, quality has also been excellent out of Mexico. Organic Blueberry prices will also be on the rise as less supplies are available from Peru. USA/Mexico are harvesting lightly with very limited availability.  Organic Raspberries are very tight as production is limited out of Mexico due to transitioning from different areas. Organic Strawberry prices remain strong with tight availability. New areas are starting in Florida and Mexico, but volume remains very limited. Prices should ease off a bit in the New Year.

Mandarins & Citrus

Organic Mandarins are in peak season from California for December! Organic Clementines andSatsuma Mandarins are the two primary varieties for the month. Organic Navel Oranges are in peak season from California, with quality and supply rated excellent. Added to the assortment for mid-December are jumbo sizes like 40ct and 48ct. First of the season Organic Cara Cara Oranges (pink flesh Navels) are set to arrive this week, with Organic Blood Oranges expected next week. Organic Grapefruit, Lemons, and Meyer Lemons are in peak season. On the specialty side, look for Organic Pink Variegated Lemons, Sweet Palestinian Limes, and Pummelos.

Green Beans

Fair Trade Organic Green Beans are available out of Mexico. Quality has been very nice, and supplies are expected to remain steady. 10/1lb Organic French Beans are available, but there are a lot of container delays out of Guatemala.

Greens

Organic Collard Greens, Green Kale, and Lacinato Kale will be promotable from Florida, as quality has been excellent, and volume is coming on for a nice promotion period. Florida-grown Organic Bok Choy, Baby Bok Choy, and Red Baby Bok Choy are in season with excellent quality. Organic Fennel and Red & Green Dandelion are also arriving with beautiful appearance and freshness.

Tropicals

Organic Hass Avocados are promotable headed into the holiday season on steady volumes. Organic Kent and Tommy Atkins Mangos are available from Ecuador, with Peru starting its season soon. Organic Royal Star Papayas are now being offered as Fair-Trade fruit. Organic Papayas will be limited for the next several weeks, as cooler weather has slowed fruit production. Organic Feijoa, Passion Fruit, and Kiwano Melons will be available in limited supplies from California. South Florida-grown Organic Black Sapote, Sapodilla, Starfruit, and Eggfruit (Canistel) are also available.

Broccoli & Cauliflower

Strong demand and erratic harvest volume continue to drive Organic Broccoli and Cauliflower prices up and down. Mid-December looks to be another up cycle, as Organic Broccoli will remain tight. East Coast supplies are slowing down and West Coast growers continue to have very limited production, with more harvests expected to start in mid-December. Quality from both areas has been excellent. Organic Cauliflower will also remain very tight. Temperatures are not hot enough to produce the volume needed to supply the demand. Quality has been good but expect light availability throughout December.

Apples

The first new crop Organic Cosmic Crisp Apples of the season are now available out of Washington. Growers have invested heavily in Organic Cosmic Crisp Apples and orchards are now coming into better volumes. Organic Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp Apples are expected to remain limited for the season with less promotable pricing. Organic Kanzi, Lady Alice, Opal, and Pinata varieties are now in steady supply. Organic Pink Lady Apples were originally thought to be affected by the freeze, but reports indicate a steady supply this season.