Organic Market Update #333

Week 33, 2023

Melons

California Organic Melons are in peak production with Organic Cantaloupes and Honeydews very promotable during August. Larger sizes are prominent on Cantaloupes, while Organic Honeydews are running smaller. Organic Mini Watermelons are starting from Pennsylvania farms. Quality should be outstanding, and availability will improve weekly, with fruit from California supplementing supplies for August. Organic Seedless Watermelon bins will be in season for August from Pennsylvania in limited quantities.

Berries

Organic Blackberry availability, quality and pricing remain steady out of California. Organic Raspberry availability is improving out of California and Mexico, and pricing should start easing off in late August, as harvest numbers and quality continue to improve. Organic Blueberry prices have jumped up rather quickly as production slowed down out of the Pacific Northwest. New crop Peruvian imports have started on the east coast with light volume and quality looks very good. Organic Strawberry pricing remains strong. Availability will remain limited as production continues to slow down, while quality is excellent.

Peppers

Organic Red, Orange, and Yellow Bell Pepper harvests from Canadian growers are limited, resulting in supply shortages and higher prices.  Conditions are expected to improve in late August.

Celery

Organic Celery volume continues to increase, and as supplies have improved quality continues to strengthen. Overall, conditions will continue to improve throughout August, with promotional chances possible in late August or early September.

Citrus

Organic Valencia Orange sizing has peaked, and supplies will be limited on 56ct and larger, and prices to follow upward. Organic Lemon prices continue to be higher than normal on limited supplies. Mexico production is expected to start in late August, and then California is expected to be back the first couple of weeks of September.  

Mangoes

Organic Mangos remain in good supply. Many growers are transitioning to Kent and Keitt varieties, and fruit should eat particularly well approaching the final stages of the Mexican season.  Organic Ataulfo Honey Mangos will be available through mid-August, with Organic “Nam Doc Mai” Mangos available soon before finishing for the mango season.

Pears

The new crop California Organic Bartlett Pears are now in season and volumes will improve weekly. Production will move to Washington in early September. Organic Asian Pears are starting up the new season in California. Supplies will be sporadic until the season ramps up more at the end of August. Organic Red Starkrimson Pears will be the next variety to come into season.

Lettuce

California-grown Organic Leaf and Romaine Lettuces have remained the primary source of production. Promotional opportunities are available thanks to plentiful supply and favorable prices. Organic Romaine Hearts and Iceberg Lettuce supplies and quality from California will be consistent through August.