Organic Market Update #340

Week 40, 2023

Sweet Potatoes

Fall means Organic Sweet Potato season and he transition to new crop has already happened for Organic Red, Orange, Japanese, and Stokes Purple varieties. Organic White Sweets will transition to new crop in early October without any interruption in supply, while Organic Ben Yagi and Okinawa Sweet Potatoes are scheduled to start harvest mid to late October, respectively. Record California rainfall early in 2023 had both positive and negative effects on Organic Sweet Potato production this year. Benefits from the rainfall include ample water for the growing season and cleansing of the soils of salt, which helps Sweet Potatoes to store better. Unfortunately, the rainy spring (and cooler temps) delayed plantings 4-6 weeks and has put a pressure on sizing the fields to the maximum yield potential, thus limiting the production of jumbos this season. The fields are producing slightly lower tonnage, but growers are expecting excellent quality overall. There will be ample supplies to support promotions for the major holidays of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Organic Stokes Purple Sweet Potatoes are having a moment in the spotlight after being on the Netflix show “Live to 100: The Secrets of the Blue Zones” for the high antioxidant properties.

Berries

Organic Strawberries are promotable out of Northern California. Quality has been excellent with good pricing and supplies. Organic Blackberry prices remain steady out of Mexico. Central Mexico harvests are slowly improving, and quality has looked excellent. California continues to harvest and will finish up for the season in early October. Organic Raspberries pricing and availability are steady out of Mexico. Quality has been excellent, and fruit is eating well. Organic Blueberries remain extremely limited out of Peru. Effects from El Niño have limited harvests and availability coming into the USA. Pricing is high and is expected to remain through October until Mexico starts.

Tomatoes

Greenhouse Organic Snacking Tomatoes will be the main promotable segment for much of October; Organic Cocktail and Cherry-on-the-Vine, Organic Kaleidos, Brits, and Poppies Tomatoes. Organic Grape, Cherry, Rainbow Cherry, and Heirloom Tomatoes from PA have come to an abrupt stop due to effects from recent rains. Organic Beefsteak Tomatoes are expected to be available for the beginning of October with steady availability and outstanding quality. 

Warm Veg

As October begins, Organic Warm Vegetables, including Organic Eggplant, Cucumbers, Green Peppers, and Summer Squash are in a transition. Southern growing regions on the east coast began harvesting in the middle of September, and some of these commodities saw seamless transitions, while others will see restrictions. Organic Cucumber and Zucchini have transitioned seamlessly into Florida harvests. Early October will see the start of additional volumes from North Carolina. Transitions with Organic Eggplant, Green Peppers, and Summer Squash have not gone as smoothly, production is about to pick up in early October. In addition to North Carolina., Mexican producers will be a great backup choice in October due to their increased yield.

Broccoli

California-grown Organic Broccoli supplies are choppy as October gets underway. While some producers have noticed an increase in yields, the majority are still experiencing low output. Limited quantities of Québec grown Organic Broccoli are available to help ease any shortages. Expect the situation to be challenging through early October. Pricing for Organic Broccoli Crowns remains similar to Organic Bunched Broccoli, but volume is more limited. As October gets started, Organic Broccoli Rabe and Sweet Baby Broccoli supplies are still challenging to come by. Expect these circumstances to last into mid-October.

Tropicals & Mangos

Organic Pineapples supplies are steady, and quality is good to start the month. Organic Turmeric from Fiji will be available for October, while Hawaii gaps. Organic Dragon Fruit from California will be available but limited, while Organic Kiwano Melons and Organic Passion Fruit from California will be steady for October. Organic Mangos from Mexico are now finished for the year. A limited amount of expensive California Organic Keitt Mangos will be available for early October. Expect a drastic shortage of fruit after the California season is finished. 

Brussels Sprouts

Organic Brussels Sprouts are consistently available, with growing areas in both the United States and Mexico are producing more volume. Quality is excellent, but prices vary from producer to producer. Expect volumes to keep rising throughout October as the market circumstances become settled.