Week 30, 2021

Lettuce

Organic Leaf and Romaine Lettuces supplies remain consistent from New York, Vermont, and Quebec heading into August. Quality, availability, and pricing are customer friendly from all 3 growing regions. Organic Iceberg and Romaine Hearts are in good supply from both California and Quebec.

Sweet Potatoes

The first new crop of Organic Japanese Sweet Potatoes should be available in early August. Organic Red Sweet Potatoes (Garnets) and Organic Sweet Potatoes (Jewels) will transition between the second and third weeks of August, with Organic White Sweet Potatoes transitioning the end of August or early Sept. There will not be a gap in supply between old crop and new crop on the Organic Orange, Red, and White Sweet Potatoes. Organic Purple Stokes Sweet Potatoes should be available the second week of September.

Watermelon

Organic Mini Seedless Watermelons continue to be available from Arizona and California farms, with excellent quality. Regular Organic Seedless Watermelons are from California, with outstanding quality and high sugar content.

Berries

Organic Blueberries are in surprisingly good volume for late July and early August out of the Pacific Northwest, as it appears that the excessive heat in early July did not damage yields as much as expected. Promo pricing is available on pints and 18oz packs. Organic Strawberries are back in steady supply with improved quality.  Organic Blackberries are in limited supply in mid-summer, with Organic Raspberries showing decent volume, but due to earlier heat, shorter shelf-life than normal.

Grapes

Fresh crop of California Organic Green and Red Seedless Grapes are now available. Organic Black Grapes and Champagne Grapes (baby red seedless in a clamshell) are also in season. The next specialty variety to become available will be the Organic Thomcord Grape. An excellent crop is expected with some newer premium varieties. Organic Cotton Candy Grapes from Mexico will sell out heading into August.

Specialty Fruit

Organic Green Smooth Skin Avocados will be available from Florida starting this week. Other popular Florida grown specialty items that will also start, including are Organic Starfruit/Carabola and Longan Fruit. Organic Black Mission Figs out of California and be available in early August.

Celery

Organic Celery from California continues to show strong supplies and aggressive pricing. Freight cost remains the largest obstacle, however, with strong supplies and excellent quality, now is a great time to promote Organic Celery.

Peppers

Organic Green Pepper production from PA has begun. Organic Purple Peppers add a splash of color to displays and Organic Specialty Peppers such as Organic Poblanos, Banana, and Cubanelle Peppers round out a great merchandising opportunity. On the horizon, Organic Mini Peppers from PA are expected in early August. Organic Color Bell Peppers remain in good supply from Canada and Holland at steady pricing.