Organic Market Update: Nov. 18-22

Apples and Pears

Organic Pears are in steady supply through the holidays with a full complement of varieties including Organic Green Anjou, Red Anjou (starting), Green Bartlett, Red Bartlett (ending) and Bosc Pears. Fancy grade that show occasional wind scar or limb rub are also being offered on the Organic Green Bartlett Pears for retailers seeking a lower price point. 12/2 lb pouch bags of Organic Bartlett Pears are selling well. This year’s Organic Asian Pear crop will wind down soon. One-layer large fruit is already finished and smaller sized in 2-layer boxes are all that remain for November. Offer these while you can. Organic Apples from Washington will be available through the holiday season in good supply. New crop Envy, Gala, Fuji, Opal and Pink Lady Apples are promotable. Organic Honeycrisp and Granny Smith Apples are in season but less promotable than others. Organic Ambrosia, Lady Alice, Kanzi, Rockit and SweeTango Apples are in stock for extra variety on display in November and December. Another arrival of Organic McIntosh Apples from Canada is expected ahead of Thanksgiving. One of the best eating varieties, Organic SugarBee Apples, are in peak season. This consistently sweet, flavorful, and crispy-crunchy apple commands a higher price but wins repeat sales with apple lovers! Red-flesh, red-blush Organic Lucy Rose Apples will be available for a limited time during November in 12/2 lb pouch bags. Supplies will sell out quickly! More volume is expected in future seasons.

Berries

Organic Blueberries from Peru continue to be highly promotable with excellent quality and aggressive pricing that makes them ideal for holiday promotions. Organic Blackberry supplies from Mexico are improving weekly, with peak volume expected from early to mid- December. Quality has been consistently good, making them a solid addition for the holiday season. Organic Raspberries are tight for mid-November. While harvests are improving gradually, demand is outpacing supply, leading to limits and pro-rates on orders. Organic Strawberries are limited from California, with higher prices due to reduced harvests. Mexican supplies are also tight, spot buys may arise if these higher prices from growers slows demand too much. Greenhouse-grown Organic Strawberries from Ohio are available as a quality alternative through winter and spring.

Peppers

Organic Color Bell Peppers face limited availability and elevated costs in November, but quality remains high. These conditions are expected to persist throughout the month of November. Organic Green Bell Peppers are also in short supply for November with high pricing.

Green Beans

Organic Green Beans will be in sporadic supply the rest of November in bulk and retail bags due to little-to-no volume in Florida plus a late and slow start in Mexico.

Celery

Organic Celery is in strong supply for Thanksgiving. While prices are higher than previous years, they remain favorable for promotions. Boost displays in mid-November to take advantage of these conditions.

Citrus

New crop California Organic Navel Oranges are gaining supply strength just in time for Thanksgiving. Time to fill your counters with fresh USA Organic Citrus! Organic Mandarins, including Organic Satsumas and Murcotts which are plentiful to kick off the season. Expect prices to ease as we head into December, a prime time to promote bagged or bulk fruit.

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Organic Broccoli from California remains limited as Thanksgiving approaches. High costs and restricted availability are expected as the West Coast transitions production regions. Organic Cauliflower from California is widely promotable in November with outstanding quality. Consider expanded displays and promotional strategies to capitalize on demand during the holidays.

Brussels Sprouts

Organic Brussels Sprouts have strong availability in November, just in time for Thanksgiving. This popular holiday item is ideal for promotions, with Organic Bagged Brussels Sprouts also available for a convenient grab-and-go option.

Potatoes

The main varieties of premium California #1 Grade/Size Organic Sweet Potatoes are in peak quality, supply and promotability for Thanksgiving. Organic Ben Yagi Purple Sweet Potatoes are winding down sooner this year due to decreased plantings and lower yields. Organic Potatoes are fully stocked and available for the holiday rush.

Onions

Premium Red, Yellow and White Organic Onions from Nevada will have attractive holiday pricing through year-end. Organic Yellow Onion prices have decreased slightly, while Red and White Onions have dropped significantly. Organic Sweet Onions are transitioning to Nevada-grown by the end of November.