Organic Market Update #318

Week 18, 2023

West Coast Veg

Organic West Coast vegetable items like Organic Broccoli, Cauliflower and Celery, are experiencing erratic pricing conditions due to inclement weather. Strong demand, light yields, and quality issues have continued to increase costs which will result in higher prices during May. East Coast Organic Broccoli supply will supplement shortages in California. North Carolina-grown Organic Broccoli volume will also build in early May, with quality and availability expected to be strong. Organic Baby Arugula continues to be in short supply, with most salad producers cutting or pro-rating orders. Organic Broccoli Rabe from California will be unavailable in early May due to quality issues.

East Coast Veg

Organic Vegetables are starting to come into season from Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To kick off May, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey 12ct half cases of Organic Arugula, Dandelion, Chard, and Kale are available. Pennsylvania and New Jersey Organic Lettuces, Spinach, Radishes, and Cilantro will supplement Georgia and California supplies. Organic Asparagus is in season in New Jersey, while East Coast Organic Broccoli production will supplement shortages in California.

Green Beans & Brussels Sprouts

Organic Brussels Sprouts and Green Beans from Mexico are in steady supply entering May. Fair Trade Organic Purple Brussels Sprouts will remain in season into early May.

Berries

Organic Strawberry prices have eased as Baja and California regions are harvesting strong numbers. Quality is excellent, with good size and great-tasting fruit. Supplies should be good for Mother’s Day promotions. Georgia Organic Blueberry prices will be promotable through the start of May, as growers are beginning to come into good production, and quality of the new fruit is outstanding. Organic Blackberry prices are steady out of Mexico, as demand has slowed down, leading to more supply, and excellent quality. Organic Raspberries will be extremely limited in early May, as production is very low, and California harvests are impacted by weather. Quality has been nice on the tight supplies.

Mangos

Organic Round Mangos from Mexico are on the verge of a supply increase. Limited trucking availability in the south, however, has made getting fruit to the border a challenge. Expect decent supplies for Cinco De Mayo celebrations, but pricing will not be as attractive as in previous years.

Lettuce

Organic Leaf and Romaine Lettuce production from the East Coast remains steady. Georgia has seen a decrease in volume, while production in North Carolina and Pennsylvania has started. New Jersey Lettuce is also on the horizon. California Organic Lettuce is available, and pricing has eased. Organic Romaine Hearts show good availability. Organic Iceberg Lettuce is on the horizon in May from New Jersey.

Watermelons

Organic Mini Watermelons out of Mexico are starting to come on in with steady supplies. Sizing is larger on new fruit, and quality has looked excellent. Organic Full-Size Watermelons from Mexico will be available through May. Harvests have started in a small way and should improve through the month. Quality should be outstanding on crown-picked fruit.

Apples

Organic Washington Gala and Granny Smith Apple prices are on the rise, but with the addition of imported apples, prices should ease off. Expect good supplies of new crop imports out of Chile and Argentina, offering a nice value on a fresh crop apple. Organic Fuji Apple packing has increased, and prices will ease slightly in May. Organic Cosmic Crisp and Envy Apples supplies out of Washington are tightening up; expect prices to rise. Organic Honeycrisp Apples are getting very tight due to sporadic packing and limited supplies, with an expectation of steep pricing increases in May. Organic Ambrosia Apples are finished for the season.