Organic Market Update #313

Week 13, 2023

Veg Impacts

The conclusion of the desert season is rapidly approaching in the Imperial Valley, as volume has been steadily declining, while costs have increased throughout March. During the final weeks of the season suppliers will try to harvest as much product as possible while weather permits, resulting in a glut of product in the marketplace and decreased costs on commodities like Organic Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Celery the first week of April. Promotions are encouraged during this time as transition to the Salinas Valley will prove to be difficult. The continual rain in Central and Northern veg growing regions of California has limited product availability, with costs higher starting around Easter and into June.

Lettuce

Organic Leaf and Romaine Lettuce supply volumes are limited. Florida's crop is starting to wind down as preparations for transition to Georgia are starting. On the West Coast, the transition out of the Southern desert growing regions has begun, with increased prices in April and May due to the rains. Organic Romaine Hearts and Iceberg Lettuce from California are expected to have limited supplies during the transition. East Coast production on Organic Romaine Hearts out of FL has been outstanding, unfortunately there will be gapping in supplies in early April.

Tomatoes

Florida Organic Grape Tomatoes will be promotable through Easter. Quality has been outstanding on steady volume. Organic Heirloom Tomatoes out of Mexico will be steady and promotable through April. Organic Darklooms will be available, but there are concerns with product coloring up due to weather in Mexico, so quality on Darklooms will be spotty.

Green Beans & Brussels Sprouts

Organic Brussels Sprouts from Mexico continue to experience a flush in production. Expect excellent quality and promotable pricing through the Easter holiday. Organic Green Beans from Mexico are beginning to yield consistently stronger volumes. Expect steady availability and excellent quality heading into April. Organic Fair Trade Purple Brussels Sprouts are back in season out of Mexico!

Ginger, Tumeric, & Garlic

Organic Ginger supplies have been tight over the past month, as Peru, Honduras and China are harvesting below “normal” levels right now. Organic Ginger from Peru is short as their season is coming to an end. Honduras has another month of shipping but is now in their end of season phase. Organic Turmeric from Hawaii is available in 30lb cases and 5lb smaller cases for added convenience. Organic Garlic supplies are good from Argentina, and quality is excellent. There is adequate supply of Argentina Organic Garlic to cover until the new crop Mexico is ready in late May.

Citrus

Wet weather in California continues to be a problem for citrus. With record breaking rains and flooding, the picking, packing, and shipping of Organic Citrus is extremely challenging. Despite the rain, there are good supplies of
Organic Grapefruit, Lemons, Mandarins, Blood Oranges, Cara Caras and Navels available. The start of April could be a little more challenging until the rains break and growers get back into regular supplies through the summer. Organic Minneolas will wrap up for the season and Organic Buck Brand TDE will also wrap up for the season in April.

Grapes

Import Organic Grapes have gotten very tight with the pricing surging back to early seasons prices. Organic Green Grapes will be available while Organic Red Grapes will be limited heading into April. Look for Organic Red Grapes supplies to open up in April.