Week 50, 2022

Asparagus & Green Beans

While many organic veg crops have seen plenty of volatility this November and December, two items that are steady--- if not promotable---- for the rest of December and early January:  Organic Asparagus and Green Beans. Organic Asparagus prices are expected to remain steady as Mexico has more availability, and excellent quality. Mexican Organic Fair Trade Green Bean volumes continue to have strong availability on exceptional quality and sharp pricing. Trimmed and washed Organic Green Beans are in steady supply for the holidays. 10/1lb Organic French Beans are available, however import logistics and container delays from Guatemala persist. Quality is excellent, but volume is still limited.

Citrus

Organic Mandarins from California are in peak season with both Satsuma and Clementine varieties. Organic Navel Oranges continue in peak season with excellent quality. Organic Cara Cara Navels are now available with first of the season fruit. The first new crop Organic Blood Oranges and Minneola Tangelos will arrive just after Christmas. Now available in limited volumes through December are Specialty Organic Pummelos: OG Chandler, OG African Shaddock, OG Red Globe, and OG Thai Sweet. Mexican Organic Lime prices are on the rise as supplies shorten up for the holidays.

Fall Fruit

Organic Fuyu Persimmons are in good supply, while Organic Hachiya Persimmons are done for the season. Most Organic Pomegranate supplies have run low with many growers only offering fancy grade fruit with minor scarring and discoloration. Domestic Organic Pomegranate Arils will be steady until the end of the month and Organic Cranberries will go out of stock for the season by Christmas.

Warm Veg

Florida is kicking off a new program: Organic Shishito Peppers. Organic Cucumbers, Yellow Squash, Zucchini, Green Peppers, and Eggplant all remain in stable supply from Mexico, but weather conditions are expected to slow production as the New Year approaches. Florida has begun to wind down on Organic Zucchini production until the spring; however Organic Eggplant and Green Peppers from Florida show with strong volumes and excellent quality.

Potatoes & Sweets

Organic Sweet Potatoes are a great item to promote for the upcoming holiday with plentiful supply, fantastic quality, and steady pricing headed into January. Organic Red and Gold Potatoes remain in great supply with pricing expected to be steady through the rest of the year. Organic Russet Potatoes are expected to get a bit tighter, specifically larger count.

Broccoli & Cauliflower

Organic Broccoli continues to be harvested in Salinas, CA while desert production from Yuma, AZ and El Centro, CA has started but remains light in volume. Light supplies continue from Salinas as cold temperatures have stunted growth and some pin rot issues have arisen. By the last week of December, all shippers will have transitioned to Yuma or El Centro. Organic Broccoli Crowns continue to be very limited. Organic Cauliflower is experiencing limited supply as most shippers have concluded their harvests in Salinas, CA, and are awaiting their first harvest of the southern desert growing region. Colder temperatures are not allowing product to size up in Yuma and El Centro, causing potential for gaps and elevated pricing.

Tropicals

Organic Hass Avocados are promotable as we head into the holiday season. Volumes will be steady through the beginning of the year. Organic Kent and Tommy Atkins Mangos are available from Ecuador. Peruvian fruit will also be available, allowing for a slight decrease in price. Organic Royal Star Papayas will be slightly limited over the next few weeks. 6ct Organic Pineapple supplies from Costa Rica are steady. 8ct have been more limited. 7ct fruit is available to help with the shortage of 8ct fruit. Organic Feijoa, Passion Fruit, and Kiwano Melons will all be available in limited supplies from California.

Color Bell Peppers

Organic Red, Yellow, and Orange Bell Peppers are improving in supply in mid-December. Israeli production has increased, and subsequently pricing has improved. Mexican supplies have started to gain momentum and will continue to increase into January. Late December and January are expected to have strong supplies, excellent quality, and improved pricing.

Apples & Pears

Organic Envy and Kanzi Apples are in peak season. The first new crop Washington Organic Jazz Apples are expected the third week of December. Organic Cosmic Crisp Apples have arrived. Make sure to add this great apple into your sets. Washington Organic Autumn Glory Apples are available again. Organic Green Anjou, Red Anjou, and Bosc Pears are in steady supply. Organic Bartlett Pears are very limited and just about to end for the season.