Organic Market Update #325

Week 25, 2023

Berries

Organic Blueberries production remains steady with the start New Jersey harvesting. California supplies are increasing as well, with promotional opportunities available. Organic Strawberry prices remain steady out of California, as supplies continue strong, and quality has been excellent. Organic Blackberry prices are steady, with supplies on the shorter side. New Jersey fruit will start this week. Organic Raspberries supplies are steady out of California and quality has improved on excellent quality.

Greens & Lettuces

Organic Greens and Lettuces from Pennsylvania and New Jersey continue to thrive, with promotional opportunities on various items available through the month. As July approaches, expect supplies to shift north to New York and Vermont. Also on the horizon is the Quebec season which provides ample supply of Organic Kales and Lettuces until late September or October. Organic Romaine Hearts and Iceberg Lettuce have ended out of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, California supplies remains plentiful with both availability and prices expected to remain consistent into early July.

Stone Fruit

Organic Cherries are transitioning from California to Washington, and there will be overlapping volumes. A great size crop with big fruit is expected with promotional opportunities on bulk and clamshell Organic Dark Sweet and Rainier Cherries. Organic White & Yellow Nectarines and Peaches are in excellent supply, and now is a great time to promote, as late June through July will be peak production. South Carolina Organic Peaches are available, but sporadic supplies are expected. Organic Red and Black Plums are in season, and supplies are firm. Organic Pluots will be extremely limited on sporadic supplies. Organic Apricots are in steady supply and are expected to remain that way until the first week of July when production transitions to Washington, which is expecting a good crop.

Tropicals

Organic Pineapple supplies from Costa Rica are promotable on excellent quality. Organic Hass Avocado volume was down more over previous weeks and prices took a big jump up in the middle of June. Some growers are gapping, and others are done for the season, putting more pressure on those that do have fruit. California fruit will be available, but freight is expensive.

Melons

Organic Cantaloupes and Honeydews are in good supply as Southern California production is coming on strong. 9ct Organic Galia Melons are available from California as Organic Mini Seedless Watermelons supplies are expected to tighten with the Mexico season has finished for many growers. There is light availability from California and a small North Carolina deal expected to start by late June. Organic Seedless Watermelons are available out of Mexico, and California has some fruit as well.

Broccoli & Cauliflower

Organic Broccoli remains available, but volume has decreased, and costs increased in California. Organic Broccoli supplies from Pennsylvania and Virginia are helping to keep costs down as a supplementary option. Organic Broccoli Crowns are available, but the supply volume is limited and costly. Organic Cauliflower from California continues to have strong availability and as volumes continues to increase, expect promotional opportunities in late June.

Peppers

Organic Green Peppers are in steady supply from various growing regions. Both Georgia and Coachella, California continue their season, with excellent quality. Bakersfield, California will begin in mid-June bringing more availability to the market, and Mexican suppliers continue to produce outstanding quality. Organic Red, Orange, and Yellow Bell Peppers from Canada remain steady in supply. Cold days with less sun than expected has slowed production, while quality remains strong.   Organic Mini Sweet Peppers remain very limited; however, PA production will begin in mid-July to provide consistent availability.