APRIL 26 - MAY 2, 2024

Apples and Pears

Most Washington Organic Apples continue to be in promotable supplies, with a few exceptions. Organic Cosmic Crisp, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Pinata are the most promotable. Envy Apple pricing is rising due to dwindling supplies; Organic Gala Apples are tight as the crop is sizing on the small side; Organic Golden Delicious and Lady Alice Apples have finished for the season; and SugarBee will finish for the season through the close of April. Import Organic Abate, Anjou, and Bartlett Pears are in excellent supply from South America. Domestic Organic Bosc Pears will finish at the end of April and transition without a gap into imports, which are limited with strong pricing. Domestic Organic Red Anjou will finish the season by the end of May.

Onions

Organic Vidalia Sweet Onions are now in season and off to a great start with quality and promotability. 40lb Jumbo Bulk and 16/3lb bags are ideal for grilling and salad season! For the start of May, watch for a transition to a new crop of California desert-grown Organic White and Yellow Onions. These are “short-day” Onions with flawed skin, maybe a little sunburn, and a not quite a vibrant color that will have a slightly rougher appearance than the Nevada Onions that had been available. Organic Red Onions are still tight in supply. For the start of May, the new crop of Organic Onions from the California desert should begin, but there will likely be a significant increase in their pricing. There are fantastic deals on Medium Organic Red Onions, which are a new crop in Texas.

Asparagus and Brussels Sprouts

In late April, Organic Brussels Sprouts from Mexico are continuing with strong supply volumes. Quality and pricing have been outstanding throughout the month. As we transition into May, the conditions will start to change in the middle of the month as the Mexican growing season begins to wind down. Continue to promote while supplies remain favorable. Organic Asparagus continues to be available outside of Mexico, but supplies will slow down as temperatures rise. Be prepared to switch to more new crop California production where the quality is excellent. There are also very limited quantities of New Jersey Asparagus available, but acreage is down this season.

Stone Fruit

The first California Organic Apricots and Cherries were delayed due to the cold but are currently expected to arrive somewhere between May 10 and 15. It will take 1–2 weeks for the pipeline to fill, and then a huge crop filled with promotional opportunities should exist. Expect the first Organic White and Yellow Peaches to arrive on or about May 11. If California gets warmer weather, it could move up a few days.

Color Peppers

Organic Color Bell (Red, Yellow, Orange) Peppers took an unexpected turn. Holland’s cooler weather is hindering the Peppers’ coloration, preventing any shipment at this time. Mexico has very little volume, and Canada has not yet started with their Organic Color Bell Pepper crop. Expect supply gaps and high pricing until better availability comes in the middle of May.

Peas

Organic Snap Peas from California are back in season once again starting in May. Look for compostable packed options on the Organic Snap Peas at promotional volume and costs. These earth-friendly packages are great for displays and provide an easy grab-and-go option for consumers! For color, Organic Purple Snap Peas will also be available in modest supply for Spring. Organic Snow Peas are nonexistent.

Lettuce

The Organic Lettuce category is hanging in there due to East Coast supply remaining present. Product from Bainbridge, Georgia, continues to have excellent supply volume on Organic Romaine Lettuce as well as Organic Red and Green Leaf Lettuce, while California supply remains limited and expensive. Due to disease pressure, Organic Iceberg Lettuce and Organic Romaine Hearts from California remain relatively limited and expensive. Organic Romaine Hearts will provide an excellent alternative option with outstanding quality!

Broccoli

Organic Broccoli will remain in steady supply in early May as both East and West Coast production continue. Supply coming from the West Coast will begin to experience some limitations as May continues; however, the addition of East Coast production will help supplement at a more manageable cost. Anticipate strong quality from the East to kick off the season! Organic Broccoli Rabe will be available in late April. Expand displays to generate additional sales in May!

Berries

Organic Strawberry crops have rebounded and are coming on very strong. Expect promotional volume and reduced pricing in early May. California’s quality has been exceptional. Organic Blackberries will be available out of Mexico in May. The quality has been excellent and prices are more reasonable. Open up room for displays and promote! As Southeast production begins, Organic Blueberry pricing will begin to ease off. The quality has been exceptional, and you can anticipate a surge in volume before Mother’s Day. Quality should be excellent. Organic Raspberries will remain fairly tight, with higher prices. Because the demand is much stronger than the supply, availability will remain limited. Conventional markets are also very tight, which has created an increase in Organic Raspberry demand.