Organic Market Update #341

Week 41, 2023

Potatoes & Sweets

Organic Potato production is coming from Manitoba, Canada where Organic Red and Gold Potatoes in 16/3lb and Bulk A size, are now available. Organic Russet Potatoes are looking very sharp on quality out of Wisconsin, and pricing has come off as demand has eased. Anticipate this pricing continuing to come down heading into November. New Crop California Organic Red, Orange, Japanese, and Stokes Sweet Potatoes are available. The Whites will switch over to new crop next week and by the end of October, new crop Ben Yagi will be available. A new variety, Okinawa, will also be available in late October. 

Apples & Pears

A new crop, Washington Organic SugarBee Apples, are expected the second week of October. Organic Rockit Apples in 3lb “shuttles” are now in season and sweet new crop Organic Ambrosia Apples are now available from Canada. Washington Organic Anjou Pears are expected to begin the second week of October, and good supplies are expected. First of the season Organic Comice Pears are also expected the second week of October.

Broccoli & Cauliflower

California-grown Organic Broccoli supplies remain uneven, though volumes have increased. Improvements in volume and quality have subsequently decreased costs, with overall conditions expected to become favorable as soon as mid-October. Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina production will begin to be in October. There is still a shortage of Organic Broccoli Crowns but is anticipated to change as additional regions begin. Between the last week of September and the beginning of October, the market for Californian Organic Cauliflower saw significant changes, as volume increased, and promotable pricing was being offered to encourage additional business. These circumstances did not last long, as decreased volumes in the first week of October resulted in price rises.

Hard Squash

Organic Acorn, Butternut, Honeynut, Pie Pumpkins, and Spaghetti Squash are all in abundant supply from farms around the Northeast and Midwest. Pricing is very attractive and will remain so through the end of October.  There are also plenty of Organic Specialty Hard Squashes, such as Buttercup, Carnival, Delicata, Kabocha, Red Kuri, and Sweet Dumpling, to round out beautiful fall center piece displays at very attractive pricing!

Berries

Organic Raspberries are promotable out of Central Mexico. Quality has been excellent, and supplies are strong. Organic Strawberries remain promotable out of California, as pricing is easing off a bit, and availability remains strong. Organic Blackberries have steady price and availability. Some farmers from Central Mexico are having quality issues and not shipping fruit. Organic Blueberries remain limited out of Peru and Mexico. Peru continues to try and rebound from the effects of El Niño rains, but abundant supplies are still a few weeks away. Continue to expect limited availability and high pricing. 

Tropicals

Organic Dragon Fruit from California will be available for the middle of October, while Organic Kiwano Melons and Organic Passion Fruit from California will be available in limited quantities for the remainder of the month. Organic Pineapple supplies are steady, and quality is good. California Organic Keitt Mangos are available in light supply, with high prices.

Tomatoes

Organic Beefsteak Tomatoes are in steady availability, with outstanding quality from Quebec going forward. New crops of Quebec Organic Cluster Tomatoes are expected in late October. East Coast Organic Tomatoes will be in a two-three-week gap as production moves to Florida.

Fall Fruit

Organic Pomegranates and Organic Cranberries from California will make their highly anticipated season debut next week! Snackable Organic Kiwi Berries are available for their short season.