Organic Market Update #306

Week 6, 2023

Berries

Organic Blueberries are promotable in early February, as imported fruit will remain in excellent supply, and quality has been top-notch. Organic Blackberry prices are steady with decent volume and excellent quality from Mexico. Organic Raspberry supplies are slowly beginning to improve as Baja Mexico production begins to start. Pricing should begin to ease by mid-February. Organic Strawberry prices are much higher than usual as supplies have been extremely limited. Volumes will begin to improve, and by the end of February market pricing will pull back significantly.

Lettuce

Organic Green Leaf, Red Leaf, and Romaine Lettuce from Florida is in peak availability with promotional volumes and pricing. Mid-February will see Organic Iceberg Lettuce tighten in volume slightly and prices will rise. Organic Romaine Hearts will remain promotable from Yuma, AZ and El Centro, CA growing regions.

Avocados & Mangos

Organic Hass Avocados will drive some major sales lifts as Mexico’s crop volume remains strong heading into the “Big Game”.  Equal Exchange Fair Trade Organic Hass Avocados will be in nice supply on 48ct, 60ct, and 8/4ct packs. Kent Organic Mangos have strong volume as we start February. With Mexico’s season a little over a month away, Kent supplies from Peru will tighten. Organic Ataulfo Honey Mangos from Mexico are now in season, with increased volumes and lowering pricing projected as the month progresses.

Asparagus

Organic Asparagus prices are expected to continue to drop with new crop Mexican product now available. Mexico has more and more product crossing every day, quality is outstanding, and availability will be steady.

Tomatoes

Organic Heirloom Tomato prices out of Mexico are coming down as harvests are larger than expected.  Organic Grape Tomato volumes will also start to increase by the middle of February. Organic Grape Tomatoes will be a promotable item from Florida and Organic Roma Tomatoes will also be promotable  with strong volume out of Mexico. Quality is outstanding and availability will be steady through the month.

Grapes

Organic Grapes are being imported from Peru and South Africa, with  excellent quality on Peruvian fruit as we get into “Autumn Crisp” on the Green, and “Sweet Celebration” on the Reds. Organic Green Grape pricing will be promotable through the middle of the month.

Warm Veg

Organic Eggplant and Organic Green Bell Peppers from Florida show  excellent quality, strong availability, and sharp pricing. Organic Cucumbers, Zucchini, and Yellow Squash from Mexico have steady availability, with supplies projected to become tighter in mid-February and increased prices. Quality has remained strong as supply volumes have declined.