Organic Market Update #330

Week 30, 2023

Berries

Organic Blueberry prices remain promotable on fruit coming in from the Pacific Northwest. Volume is plentiful and quality has been solid. Organic Blackberry prices remain steady as production continues from California and New Jersey. CA production will be steady and is expected to increase in early August, leading to more promotable pricing and availability. Organic Strawberry prices have jumped quickly, as California growers are seeing lower yields as the season comes to an end. Organic Raspberries will be extremely limited as quality issues continue to cut orders short. Expect shortages and limits as growers work through this challenging season.

Greens & Lettuces

Organic Kales and Collards remain in steady supply from Pennsylvania. PA and NJ will begin to slow down their Organic Greens heading into August, but they will return in September. New York production is also beginning to increase. Organic Leaf and Romaine Lettuce in Pennsylvania has finished, with New York, Vermont, and Quebec product in season. Organic Romaine Hearts and Iceberg Lettuce from California have strong volumes and excellent quality, with promotional opportunities in late July. Quebec production will supplement California supplies at a comparable cost, unless the heavy rains from last week delay harvesting.

Melons

Organic Cantaloupes and Honeydews are in full swing from the San Joaquin Valley of California, with promotional opportunities will be available now through August. Organic Galia and Hami Melons are in season from California and full of flavor! Organic Watermelons continue to be available from California, with excellent quality, but higher pricing due to freight and overall higher production costs. Organic Black Rind Seedless Watermelons are available outside of North Carolina. Organic Mini Watermelons remain available from California and Arizona. Quality has been excellent overall, and fruit is eating excellent.

Broccoli

Organic Sweet Baby Broccoli and Broccoli Rabe have strong volume and promotional opportunities. Organic Broccoli from California continues to improve in availability and pricing. Expect both bunches and crowns to have consistent availability heading into August. With improved volume, pricing will become promotable. Organic Broccoli from Quebec will supplement California supplies.

Citrus

California Organic Valencia Orange prices are starting to increase due to a smaller crop. Organic Grapefruit supplies remains very sporadic, while Organic Lemon supplies remain very tight out of Argentina. Mexico production is expected to start in August, and California is expected to begin again in September. Organic Limes continue to be challenging with lighter color and blanching expected. Prices continue to rise.

Stone Fruit

Organic Yellow & White Peaches and Nectarines, continue in peak season from California with excellent quality. The Washington Organic Peach and Nectarine program will start at the end of July. California growers are running into abundant harvests of Organic Red and Black Plums and pricing will become more affordable for early August. Organic Verry Cherry Plums and Pluots remain in steady supply. Washington Organic Rainier Cherries have finished for the season, and Organic Dark Sweet Cherries will finish by the end of July. California and Washington Organic Apricots will finish for the season in late July.