Market Update #355

Week 4, 2024

Berries

Organic Blackberry supplies from Mexico are steadily increasing, benefiting from improved weather conditions that have enhanced fruit quality. Anticipate additional promotions available in early February. Organic Blueberry supplies will gradually improve, with the “Feblue-ary” promotion launching from Chile in early February. Despite the scarcity in January, the quality remains commendable, and efforts to replant bushes with better-performing varieties bodes well for sustained excellence. Organic Raspberries are currently facing tight availability and high prices due to adverse weather conditions affecting harvests. Expect limited volumes and elevated prices to persist into early February. Organic Strawberry supplies are on the rise from Baja, Central Mexico, and a slow improvement in Florida. The overall quality is impressive, ensuring a steady supply into February.

Pears

Organic Pears from the Pacific Northwest are gearing up for February promotions. Organic Red and Green Anjou, Bosc, and Comice Pears are the storage varieties remaining. New crop Organic Bartlett Pears from Argentina are expected to arrive in mid-February.

Warm Vegetables

Organic Warm Vegetables are facing shortages in Florida and Mexico in January, impacting the availability of Organic Yellow Squash, Zucchini, and now Cucumbers too. Organic Zucchini is the most dramatically short with heavy pro-rates and high prices.

Broccoli/Cauliflower

Organic Broccoli conditions will shift as February approaches, marking the end of North Carolina’s production on the East Coast and impacting the West Coast’s supply volume due to cooler weather. Anticipate price increases in February while maintaining strong quality. Organic Cauliflower remains accessible and reasonably priced in late January, presenting promotional opportunities due to quality, price, and availability. However, anticipate changes in early February as Organic Cauliflower reacts to colder temperatures.

Citrus/Specialty Citrus

Organic Specialty Citrus has been slowed by some rain lately, but there is still some availability to offer for late January with more coming in February. Organic Mandarins continue to have steady supply from California, presenting promotional opportunities in February. This winter Organic Navels and Cara Cara Oranges are peaking on larger fruit sizes in California, with opportunities on Jumbos. Quality remains high. Organic Blood Oranges and Pummelos are in season.  Organic Minneola Tangelos are very late to start this year and may not hit until February. Organic Grapefruit remains promotable through January, with larger fruit sizes dominating. Smaller sizes are expected to have limited availability. Organic Lemon supplies are improving, with easing prices anticipated on all 95’s and 115’s into February. This is an opportune time to promote Organic Lemons! Available during the week of 1/22: OG Buddha Hand, OG Meyer Lemons, OG T’Orange Lemons, OG Limequats, OG Sweet Palestinian Limes, OG Moro Blood Oranges, OG Cara Cara Oranges, OG Mango Valencia Oranges, OG Heirloom Navel Oranges, and OG TDE Tangerines. 

Tomatoes

Quebec Greenhouse Organic Beefsteak and Cluster Tomatoes will experience a potential gap in supply due to cooler temperatures, low light, and potassium adjustments in growing operations. Supplies will remain limited and expensive. Weather-related issues in Mexico have caused minimal production, resulting in tight availability of Organic Roma Tomatoes. Improved availability is not expected until February. Grape, Cherry, and Rainbow Cherry Tomatoes are in very limited supply with high prices due to cold weather impacting both Florida and Mexico production. This will continue through January.

Roots

Organic Red Turmeric from Florida is now available. This premium USA Turmeric is the highest quality we have seen all year, there are limited quantities available. Organic Ginger is very limited for the month of January. Things will tighten even more as we enter into February.

Apples

The Fall 2023 crop of Organic Apples in Washington was abundant, including record volumes on many varieties. This winter continues to be an excellent time to promote bulk and bag options. All Washington Organic Apples are in good supply including: Ambrosia, Autumn Glory, Cosmic Crisp, Envy, Fuji, Gala, Gold Delicious, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Lady Alice, Opal, Pinata, Pink Lady, Rockit, SugarBee, Sweetango.