Organic Market Update #309

Week 9, 2023

Berries

Organic Strawberry harvest volumes are abundant out of Baja, Mexico and Florida. Quality has been good from both regions, and pricing is expected to be at promotable levels through March. Organic Blackberries are promotable for early March, as quality has been excellent and supplies are strong. Organic Raspberry prices are easing despite a cold front that moved through Baja and slowed production. Central Mexico production is beginning to increase, leading to more availability overall. Organic Blueberry prices will continue to rise as Chilean production finishes up and switches back to Peru. Quality has been nice and will continue to improve from the new regions. 

Potatoes & Sweets

A new variety of Organic Sweet Potatoes, "Ben Yagi", will be available out of California. This variety has a purple skin and light magenta flesh that is moister than the "Stokes Purple Sweets" or "Japanese Sweets". The "Ben Yagi" will only be available for a couple months and then return in the fall. Manitoba, Canadian grown Organic Red and Gold Potatoes are in steady supply and price. Organic Russet Potatoes will gap out West with only #2 grade product available from Idaho and Colorado. 

Broccoli & Cauliflower

Organic Broccoli from California's Imperial Valley continues to yield steady supplies. Pricing has been affordable but as the desert season begins to wind down, expect less production and higher prices. Organic Broccoli Crowns will begin to tighten before bunched broccoli. Organic Cauliflower from the Imperial Valley remains in limited supply.

Apples

Organic Gala Apple supplies are better than forecast, helping bring down prices slightly. There are also spot buys on 56/64sz Organic Fuji Apples. Organic Granny Smith and Honeycrisp Apple prices are on the rise with very tight supplies. Expect some sporadic out-of-stocks on the higher prices. Organic Opal and SugarBee Apples are expected to finish up for the season the last week of March. Organic Cosmic Crisp Apples should continue to be promotable into spring.  

Lettuces & Greens

Organic Romaine and Leaf Lettuce continues to yield strong volumes from Florida. Strong quality, plentiful supply, and consistent availability will be perfect to promote during early March. Florida Organic Romaine Hearts are a new addition and quality has been outstanding. Organic Romaine Hearts and Iceberg Lettuces from the Imperial Valley remain steady in availability, but as the season approaches the end, decreased volume and increased prices are expected. Organic Greens from Florida remain in steady supply. There is excellent quality and consistent availability across the category, including Organic Green Kale and Collards.

Brussels Sprouts

Organic Brussels Sprouts remain in peak production from Mexico. Plentiful volume, strong quality, and affordable prices make for the perfect opportunity to promote throughout March.

Peppers

Organic Color Bell Peppers are readily available, but prices have begun to rise. Mexican supplies have experienced a decrease in volume and an increase in prices, while Israeli supplies have remained consistent and prices at a premium due to air fright cost. Organic Mini Mix Sweet Peppers from Florida have strong volume and promotable prices with the top-notch quality. Organic Green Bell Peppers from FL remain consistent in volume, however an increase in cost should be expected heading into March.

Citrus

Organic Grapefruit, Lemons, Mandarins, Cara Cara, and Navel Oranges are in excellent supply from California, with March being an excellent time to promote. Organic TDE Triple Cross Mandarins from California are in peak season, a great time to feature this tasty fruit for organic citrus fans.