Organic Market Update: Aug. 9-16

Peaches and Nectarines

Organic Yellow Peaches and Yellow Nectarines continue to be in good supply from California with late crop varieties. Washington fruits are known for size and quality. Conditions should remain this way until at least Labor Day, barring any significant weather events. Organic White Peaches and White Nectarines will begin to drop in volume since Washington has less production on these varieties—expect higher prices. Organic Black Plums are getting very tight and expected to finish for the season in mid August. Organic Red Plums and Pluots are expected to maintain their peak season through the end of August. Organic Apricots and Cherries are done for the season.

Melons

Organic Watermelons will be promotable out of California and quality is excellent. Pennsylvania Organic Watermelons season is beginning as well. Local growers will offer Organic Orange, Yellow, Seeded Sangria and Red Seedless Watermelon varieties. Quality should be excellent, but volume is light. Organic Mini Watermelons remain promotable out of California and the season is also beginning from Pennsylvania and Ohio. Volume is increasing and quality and flavor are exceptional. It’s an excellent time to promote Organic Cantaloupe and Honeydew from California! Supply is strong, quality is great and prices are the lowest they have been this summer.

Avocados

Organic Hass Avocado pricing is increasing and volume will be down as we fully transition to “Flor Loca” new crop fruit! Equal Exchange Organic Fair Trade Hass Avocados will have fruit the week of 8/12 as the start their 2024/2025 season in Mexico after being out of stock for the past two months.

Lettuce

Organic Romaine and Leaf Lettuce continues to be primarily sourced from Quebec and remain in peak conditions in August. Supplemental supply volume from various regions in the Northeast and California remain available in the case of any shortages. Organic Iceberg Lettuce from California remains consistent in mid-August. Costs are fair and quality is strong, however promotional opportunities are not available. Organic Romaine Hearts continue to experience robust supply in August. Promotional volume and costs should encourage expanded offerings and promotional opportunities in mid-August!

Asparagus

Organic Asparagus availability will be limited and tightening up quickly out of Mexico. Rain and hot temps are slowing harvests. Expect rising prices and limited volume.

Tropicals

Several popular Florida-grown Organic Tropicals will be available for the middle of August: Organic Starfruit, Green Skin Avocados and Longans. Organic Royal Star Papayas have made a rebound and will be in good supply for the middle of August. Organic Pineapples will continue to be in very short supply for August. All orders are being prorated. This is expected to last for at least the rest of this month, possibly into September. Organic Yellow Pitahaya will gap again for the middle of August.

Grapes

California Organic Grapes have top-notch quality. The varieties are strong and only getting stronger for the Greens and Reds. On the specialty side: Organic Thomcord, Champagne and Candy Snaps from California and Organic Muscadine Grapes from the Carolinas are in season.

Broccoli/Cauliflower

Organic Broccoli availability and cost are steady in early to mid-August, however volume is still expected to change later in the month and become progressively more limited. Supplies from Quebec will continue to gap for the bunched pack into mid-August, however strong supplies of Organic Broccoli Crowns will remain available from Quebec. Organic Cauliflower volumes have become restricted because of some quality challenges as August continues, while costs have begun to rise quickly with volume limitations. These unfavorable conditions are expected to persist through the latter stages of August.

Berries

Organic Blueberries will remain promotable out of Oregon and Washington. Quality has been good and fruit is eating very well. Volume remains plentiful. Organic Strawberries are fairly promotable for mid-August with excellent quality with decent volume. Supplies will slow down, and pricing will begin increasing in late August. Organic Blackberries remain steady out of California. Quality is very nice and eating excellently—no changes in supply or pricing. Organic Raspberries pricing will increase for mid-August after a short promotional week. Supplies are steady and quality has been excellent.