Organic Market Update #205

Organic artichokes are back in season! Brussels sprouts from Mexico are a great promotional item through February, with a robust supply and fantastic quality. There are excellent supplies of tomatoes out of Florida, Mexico, and Canada.

 Asparagus

Organic Asparagus will be very promotable out of Mexico. Peak season production has started, and quality has been amazing. Sizing is peaking on standard to large, and most of the pack out on the organic is being shipped in 11lb cases. 

Mandarins

Organic Mandarins from California have fully transitioned into the Tango variety, with Murcotts coming in March. Bulk Organic Mandarins are also available, and some Stem & Leaf cases will be arriving around next week. First of the season Organic Gold Nugget Mandarins, known for their sweet taste and bumpy skins, will be in stock next wee

 Lettuces

Organic Romaine Hearts are coming into peak supply from Yuma, AZ. After a slow month and a half of light harvests and high pricing, mid to late-February should provide some promo volume and pricing. Organic Iceberg Lettuce is expected to see much improved pricing and supplies through the remainder of the month. Organic Green and Red Leaf, Butter, and Romaine Lettuces are also in excellent supply from Florida and Arizona.

Artichokes

Organic Artichokes are back in season with supplies ramping up through the month. Quality is excellent, with promotional opportunities available.

Watermelons

Organic Mini Watermelons make their return from Mexico. Prices will be higher as new harvests have just begun but should decrease on increased production. Quality should be outstanding.

Brussels Sprouts

Organic Brussels Sprouts from Mexico are in peak supply for the remainder of the month on both 10 and 25 lbs. cases. With excellent quality, the rest of February will be the perfect time to promote. Organic Purple Brussels Sprouts will be back in season starting this week.

Tomatoes

Florida growers of Organic Snacking Tomatoes are ramping up production as weather has improved. Organic Grape Tomatoes will be in much better supply for the rest of February. Organic Rainbow Cherry, Orange Cherry, and Gold Grape Tomatoes are also in season. Organic Grape Tomatoes from Mexico are now abundant with affordable pricing and decent quality. Organic Mixed Heirloom and Dark Heirloom Tomatoes will be promotable for the rest of February, on excellent quality for both varieties. Organic Beefsteak Tomato prices will be holding steady, as production out of Mexico has been limited. Organic Clusters are also available from Mexico and Canada, with excellent quality on both.

Soft Squash

Organic Zucchini will be plentiful and poised for promotion the rest of February, as harvests have caught up following poor weather during January in Mexico. Organic Yellow Squash pricing is slightly elevated compared to Zucchini and expected to continue to rise during late February.

Cauliflower

Organic Cauliflower quality remains excellent. Some shippers are in a period of light harvest, with pricing expected to remain reasonable for the rest of the month. Limited supply of Organic Orange Cauliflower is available.

Papayas

Organic Formosa Papayas are in great supply out of Mexico. Similar in size and shape to a Tainung or Maradol varieties, Formosa papayas turn golden as they ripen, while keeping a greenish exterior. Their taste is very similar to the Maradol variety. This is an excellent fruit to promote during February and March.