Organic Market Update #298

Week 48, 2022

Mandarins

December is prime time for promoting easy-to-peel and tasty Organic Mandarins from California There are two varieties in season: Organic Satsuma Mandarins, which are known for rich, juicy flavor and puffy skins that make them super easy to peel; and Organic Clementine Mandarins, which are a favorite fruit his time of year.

Apples

Organic Rockit and SugarBee Apples should have nice opportunities for promotion in December. New crop Washington Organic Cosmic Crisp and Lady Alice Apples are expected to be available this week. Organic Ambrosia, Autumn Glory, Envy, Kanzi, Piñata, Pink Lady, and Opal Apples are now available for adding high-flavor apples to your selection. Washington Organic Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp Apples are in limited supply with rising prices as shippers transition from fresh crop to their controlled atmosphere storage.

Green Beans

Organic Green Bean yields have substantially increased in Mexico, and with improved volume, expect price decreases and promotions in early December.  10/1lb Organic French Beans are readily available out of Guatemala, with excellent quality.

Peppers

Organic Color Bell Peppers show improving volumes from Israel in early December, providing some price relief. Canadian production will be ending in early December, but Mexico harvest will increase through December. Organic Mini Sweet Peppers supplies remain limited but are available at an elevated price.

Greens

Organic Greens from FL are in full swing with peak availability and premium quality. Look for promotional opportunities throughout the month on Organic Lacinato and Green Kale, Collards, and more.

Lettuce

Organic Lettuce from California remains extremely limited as early season Yuma and El Centro production is late. Limited availability and elevated prices are expected to continue through the Christmas holiday. Organic Romaine Hearts and Iceberg Lettuce will remain a struggle as California production is the only option. Florida production on Organic Green and Red Leaf has begun.

Warm Veg

Organic Cucumbers, Eggplant, Green Bell Peppers, Zucchini, and Yellow Squash have excellent availability. Organic Green Bell and Jalapeño Peppers will begin out of FL in early December with strong quality and availability. Organic Cucumbers and Zucchini Squash have excellent availability, quality, and pricing from Mexico in early December. Mexican shippers also have improving volumes of Organic Eggplant and Green Peppers.

Tropicals

Organic Hass Avocados continue to be in great supply and pricing remains promotable out of Mexico. Organic Kent and Tommy Atkins Mangos are available from Ecuador, but limited availability has kept pricing a little higher. Organic Royal Star Papayas are somewhat limited due to the cooler weather. Organic Feijoa, Passion Fruit, and Kiwano Melons will all be available in limited supplies from CA in early December. Several new organically grown items are available from FL as we kick off December including Organic Black Sapote, Sapodilla, Starfruit, and Eggfruit (Canistel).