Organic Market Update #310

Week 10, 2023

Asparagus & Brussels Sprouts

Organic Asparagus will be promotable in March, as quality is outstanding and supplies steady. Organic Brussels Sprouts from Mexico will be promotable throughout March and into April. As many other vegetable commodities face supply issues, Organic Brussels Sprouts will be a great value for consumers with outstanding quality.

Peppers

Organic Mini Mix Sweet Peppers in clamshells from Florida are in good supply with promotional pricing. 12/1lb pouch bags from Mexico will remain available throughout March as a supplemental option. Organic Red, Yellow, and Orange Peppers from Mexico and Israel are in good supply. Mexican volume has slowed causing increased costs as March begins, while Israeli production remains steady in volume and costs. Quality from both regions remain strong.

Tomatoes

Organic Grape Tomatoes from FL will be a promotable through Easter. Quality has been great and plenty of product is  available. Organic Darkloom and Heirloom Tomatoes out of Mexico will be steady and promotable into mid-March. Organic Roma Tomato prices have fallen, and demand has dropped, making this a promotable item. Quality is outstanding and availability will be steady.

Pineapples & Mangos

Organic Pineapple supplies from Costa Rica have been strong, and quality has been excellent. Organic Pineapples will be promotable through March. Larger sized 12-14ct Organic Ataulfo Honey Mangos from Mexico are in steady supply. Smaller sizes have been limited but should soon rebound. March marks the transition from Kent Organic Mangos from Peru and the start of the Mexican season. New crop Organic Tommy Atkins Mangos fruit from Mexico will be available this week.

Warm Veg

Organic Cucumbers, Zucchini, and Yellow Squash costs from Mexico have begun to ease. Steady availability, good quality, and improving prices should be expected through the month. Florida grown Organic Green Bell Peppers and Eggplant are in steady supply with stable costs and top-notch quality.

Citrus

Another round of snow and rains hit California growing regions, keeping many growers from harvesting. The overall crop continues to be in good shape and there will be Organic Citrus to promote during March and early April. Organic Grapefruit, Lemons, Mandarins, Cara Cara Oranges, Blood Oranges, Pummelos, Minneola Tangelos, and Navel Oranges are in excellent supply, providing great promotional opportunities. On the specialty side, Organic TDE Mandarins are in peak season in early March. This triple cross variety has Temple Tonger, Doney Mandarin, and Encore Mandarin parentage. Organic TDE Mandarins are known for their rich sweet taste and juicy flesh. Mexican Organic Limes continue to be challenging with very high prices.

Berries

Organic Strawberry prices will be promotable out of Baja, Mexico. Harvests are flush, leading to strong buying opportunities. Florida fruit remains available as well, and quality has been exceptional from both regions. Organic Raspberry prices continue to ease off as supplies improve out of Baja and Central Mexico. Quality has been very nice and there should be promotable opportunities towards the end of March. Organic Blackberry prices are going up slightly as supplies slow down. Organic Blueberry prices are increasing as supplies remain tight. Low harvests out of Mexico and Peru this time of year keep supplies tight. Quality has been exceptional from Peru and Mexico.

Cabbage

Organic Green Cabbage is limited as St. Patrick's Day approaches. Although supply volume remains tight, there will be no shortages for the holiday favorite.