Organic Market Update #267

Week 18, 2022

Melons

Organic Cantaloupes and Honeydew out of Mexico are now in season and will be steadily available through early June. Overall, 12ct and 15ct Organic Cantaloupes show the heaviest volume, with 9ct being more limited. Quality on the first 9ct and 12ct arrivals has been excellent, and prices will start to decline mid-May when more volume is available. 5ct Organic Honeydew are also in production with more volume and affordable pricing expected by mid-May. Organic Mini Watermelons will be available more consistently with steadier Mexico harvests coming in. Quality has been excellent. Organic Seedless Watermelons are now in season in cartons, with a limited number of bins available in May. Quality has been excellent out of Mexico.

Peppers

Following a slow start in mid-April, new crop Organic Color Bell Peppers from Canada have come on strong. Pricing and volumes are expected to improve quickly and provide promotional opportunities. New crop Holland Organic Color Bell Peppers are also available with outstanding quality, but costs are higher, especially with airfreight. Organic Green Bell Peppers remain a struggle and are expected to remain so until mid to late May. Expect supply volumes to be light and potential gaps in supplies with continued high pricing. Choice grade Organic Green Bell Peppers will help supplement supplies, but also remain very limited.

Artichokes

Organic Artichokes from California are showing strong volume, with excellent quality and larger sizes. Promotional opportunities will be available in early May. Organic Purple Artichokes also continue to have better availability as May approaches yet remain slightly limited.

Stonefruit

The first early varieties of Organic Peaches and Nectarines are set to be harvested in California during early May, with Organic Plum production ramping up in June. The first Organic Apricots of the season are trickling in from California, with volumes ramping up in mid to late May.

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Organic Broccoli from California has strong volumes, with Georgia and North Carolina growers starting to harvest with good quality. Organic Sweet Baby Broccoli shows strong supplies, with promotional volumes and pricing available starting May. Organic Broccoli Rabe continues to experience steady availability, and pricing has returned to normal. Organic Cauliflower from California shows strong supplies to begin in May, and costs will decrease.

Cherries

Organic Cherries are now in season from California, with prices starting out on the high side, but will ease in May.

Green Beans

Organic Green Beans from Mexico have much improved supplies as May begins, with promotional opportunities on the horizon. Great growing conditions have created a flush of product, with promotable pricing, and excellent quality to kick off May. California grown Organic Green Beans will begin in early May as well.

Berries

Organic Strawberry volumes out of California will be plentiful, with quality rated as excellent. Santa Maria/Watsonville and Salinas, CA areas are harvesting plenty of fruit while Oxnard, CA continue production as well. Organic Blackberry and Raspberry prices are coming off as crops out of California and Mexico are coming on strong with promotable volumes available. Quality has been excellent. Organic Blueberry volumes are tight, as imported fruit production slowed, putting pressure on domestic growers. Georgia and California Organic Blueberries are available, but most USA grown product is not expected to become promotable until mid to late-May.

Tomatoes

Organic Grape Tomatoes from Florida are showing better volume, with promotable opportunities available in May on outstanding quality. Organic Beefsteak Tomatoes out of Canada are coming on with stronger volume and better pricing. Organic Cluster Tomato prices are expected to remain steady through May on excellent quality. On the Organic Specialty Tomato side, a nice assortment of Organic Snacking and Heirloom Tomatoes is readily available!