Organic Market Update #301

Week 1, 2023

Diet Season

The first three weeks of January traditionally see a large increase in demand for fruits and vegetables from shoppers seeking to eat healthier following the holidays and for New Year’s resolutions. This is often referred to in the produce world as “Diet Season.” Organic Greens and Lettuces are among the commodities that see a big bump in movement, and Organic Greens from Florida are in peak production in time for the Diet Season rush. Expect affordable pricing on Organic Kales, Collards, and Dandelion—perfect for promotional opportunities to kick off the New Year! Organic Leaf and Romaine Lettuces have dropped drastically in price to kick off 2023. Organic Romaine Hearts have also seen a significant price decrease, and better availability. After months of limited supplies and record setting high prices, now is the perfect time to promote Diet Season.

Berries

Organic Blackberries are promotable out of Mexico as Harvests are strong and quality is excellent. Organic Blueberry prices are on the high side as Peruvian containers continue to drop as the season is ending and Chile has not kicked in yet. Quality has been nice but expect shorter supplies until late January. Organic Raspberries are short in supply with higher pricing. Harvests are light, leading to limited availability. Quality has been excellent, however, out of Mexico. Organic Strawberries remain tight and expensive. Supplies are short out of Florida and Mexico with colder temperatures and rain around the holidays limiting harvests. Expect much of the same from mid to late January until weather rebounds to produce better supplies. Quality on what little fruit makes it to market has been nice from both regions.

Specialty Citrus

Organic Specialty Citrus from Buck Brand in Porterville, CA is now available. These unique high-flavor products will be in and out of stock and in limited quantities as they cope with California rain. Also available are OG Buddha Hand, OG Pink Variegated Lemons, OG Limequats, OG Sweet Palestinian Limes, OG Algerian Clementines, OG Satsuma Mandarins, OG Cara Cara Oranges, OG Heirloom Navel Oranges, OG Lulu Navel Oranges, and OG African Shaddock Pummelos.

Peppers

Organic Color Bell Peppers are in steady supplies from Israel and Mexico, as supplies from both regions have gradually improved. Promotional opportunities from Mexico will be available in mid-January as availability ramps up. 2ct Fair Trade Packaged Organic Color Bell Peppers are in steady supply.

Grapes

Organic Green Grapes from Peru are in steady supply to kick off January. Organic Red Grapes are more limited and prices for this new crop import fruit will be higher. There is some Organic Black Sable Grapes that are more affordable.

Apples & Pears

Organic Apple availability out of Washington is becoming lighter as all product is being packed from controlled atmosphere storage. Extremely cold weather and snow in Wenatchee and Yakima, WA have further disrupted the supply chain. While there are Organic Apples available to start January, there may be some occasional hiccups in supply from variety to variety and upward pressure on pricing. Organic Cosmic Crisp Apples are plentiful and promotable for this winter. There also may be some occasional spot buys on large size Organic Honeycrisp and Fuji Apples. Organic Pears should be in excellent supply in January other than Organic Bartlett Pears, which are finishing for the season. Organic Green Anjou, Red Anjou, and Bosc Pears are readily available promotable.

Grape Tomatoes

Organic Grape Tomato prices have come down and supplies are expected to remain steady. The Florida crop has limited volume due to the cooler weather which will play a part in availability and pricing in early January. Moving forward it is expected that both Mexico and Florida will see some warmer temperatures and volume should increase.

Warm Veg

Organic Eggplant and Green Peppers from Florida are yielding consistent supplies and steady pricing. Organic Cucumbers, Zucchini, and Yellow Squash remain promotable and readily available out of Mexico.