Market update #377

JUNE 21 - JUNE 27, 2024

Grapes

Organic Grape prices continue to drop on all colors out of Mexico thanks to abundant volumes being harvested. Organic Red Grapes are the most promotable for the remainder of June. Increase displays and promote ad and in-store specials through the start of June. Organic Green and Black Grapes are in peak season from Mexico, just not priced as low as the Reds. On the specialty side, Organic Gummy Berries, Jelly Berries and Cotton Candy Grapes are available as high-flavor options.

Avocados

Organic Avocado supplies were hit hard with a stoppage of fruit by the USDA from Michoacán, Mexico over the past week. Fruit will be very limited with pricing increasing by the day. Some Peruvian Organic Avocados will be available along with some limited fruit from California to help mitigate the volume gap from Mexico over the past week. Expect higher prices and potential gaps on fruit. Equal Exchange has announced the end of their Fair Trade Organic Hass Avocado season. Fruit is expected to return late summer/early fall.

Melons

Organic Yellow Seedless Watermelons are in season from California. Organic Yumi Watermelon bins (55 ct high graphic bins) are now in peak season! This “Sweet Gem” variety has a dark no-strip rind and sweet, red, seedless flesh. Full-size Organic Watermelons are going up in price as fields end in Mexico and start up in California. Quality is expected to be nice. There will be more 36 ct and 45 ct bins from the crown pick versus 60 ct for late June. Organic Mini Watermelons will be pretty snug in mid-June, particularly on the smaller/preferred 8ct size. California growers are just starting harvest and fruit is sizing more to 6 cts as we are in crown pick. Expect pricing to rise and tighter supplies. Organic Galia and Hami Melons are in season and Organic Orange Honeydew by 6/25. Organic Cantaloupes and Honeydews from California are strong with excellent quality and taste being reported. Pricing remains high but look to promote in July.

Cherries

Washington Organic Cherries are now coming into peak season! Organic Dark Sweet Cherries are peaking on 10.5 row fruit and color has been excellent so far. The first Washington Organic Rainier Cherries have just hit the east coast supply chain. Excellent sweetness and flavor is expected.

Celery

Organic Celery prices are improving as the Salinas harvest season gets underway. Expect improved quality, pricing and availability with the start of the new region and add long overdue relief to what has been a difficult market for months. Late June or early July should have promotional opportunities for Organic Celery as conditions are expected to continue to trend in the right direction.

Specialty

Organic Lychee, Nopales (Cactus Leaves) Jackfruit, Sapodilla, Lemongrass and Mameyare all now available from Florida! New crop Organic Ginger from Peru is here—expect quality to continue to improve throughout the summer.

Peppers

Organic Green Peppers had a significant jump in market pricing as Mexico finished its season. Nice quality Organic Green Peppers are in season from South Carolina until product ramps up in the mid-Atlantic in mid-July. Organic Color Bell Peppers will remain on the pricey side for the remainder of June. Product will primarily be arriving out of Canada with great quality.

Lettuce

Supplies from California are improving for Organic Romaine Hearts after a difficult stretch with limitations and elevated costs. Organic Iceberg Lettuce is becoming increasingly difficult to procure in late June. Quebec Organic Romaine Hearts and Iceberg is underway and will help provide a supplementary option in late June and early July. New York Organic Leaf and Romaine Lettuce supply has begun and will be an easy transition for the end of Pennsylvania and New Jersey seasons. Quebec Organic Leaf and Romaine Lettuce supplies are also underway in late June. Therefore, while Pennsylvania and New Jersey product is ending, there will be no shortage of supplies of Eastern grown product.

Stone Fruit

California Organic Peaches and Nectarines are sizing up nicely with 40-56 ct fruit. Supplies are good. Big promotions are expected in July. South Carolina growers have nice supplies of Eastern Organic Peaches which are selling well this summer. And for late June, they’ll have 8/1lb clamshells of Eastern Organic Goldrush Plums. Organic Red and Black Plums are growing in harvest volume from California with peak season promotability expected in July. Organic Pluots are in season with the “Flavorosa” and “Crimson Glow” varieties for late June. Peak season will be July into early August. “Hermosa” and “Brittney” variety Organic Apricots are arriving with nice quality from California.