Week 12, 2024

Asparagus and Brussels Sprouts

Organic Asparagus will be promotable through the first week of April, a nice seasonal promo item to offer for Easter. Organic Asparagus is expected to jump significantly in price after the Mexico peak is finished. Organic Brussels Sprouts show strong supplies, excellent quality, and promotable pricing. Bulk, mesh bags, and high graphic bags will all be available in plentiful quantities.

Avocados

Organic Hass Avocado prices jumped up as threats of lower import volumes from Mexico and caused market pricing to be somewhat volatile. Equal Exchange Organic Fair Trade Hass Avocados have been building some momentum with some promotable pricing on their Ready-Cycle 8/4ct tray pack! This option features slightly smaller fruit enabling their Fair-Trade growing partners to use the “whole tree” when packing. This is an excellent way to be a good steward of all fruit sizes.

Melons

Expect to see Organic Cantaloupes and Honeydews to come into season mid/late April from Mexico. Organic Cantaloupe and Honeydew production will start during May in California. Organic Mini Watermelons are gapping and will start again from Mexico during April.

Color Peppers and Tomatoes

Organic Red, Yellow, and Orange Bell Peppers are going to be a struggle for the duration of March until new crop Canada greenhouses start in April. Mexico will continue to have very little volume. Organic Grape Tomatoes are finally promotable at the end of March. Organic Medley, Cherry, and other Snacking Tomato varieties remain a little snug, but supplies are improving.

Broccoli and Cauliflower

Organic Broccoli remains plentiful from California with promotable pricing and high-quality.  Transition to the Salinas Valley from the desert regions is expected to be smooth this year with little to no interruptions. North Carolina Organic Broccoli is expected to begin their season in early April, adding additional supply to the market. Organic Cauliflower continues to be readily available, and quality has remained outstanding throughout the month.

Lettuce

Organic Romaine Hearts and Iceberg Lettuce from California and Arizona will be challenged with quality, availability, and pricing for the remainder of March. As the growing region transition time approaches, these commodities are expected to remain limited and expensive. East Coast Organic Leaf and Romaine Lettuce conditions are favorable in late March. The primary supplies are coming from Punta Gorda, FL, and top-notch quality should be expected the remainder of March.

Berries

Organic Strawberries remain promotable out of Baja/Central Mexico. Quality overall has been good, and new crops will be available in late March from the Santa Maria, California area. Organic Blueberries are promotable from Chile/Peru as the final arrivals come in. Quality has been very nice this whole season. Volumes will begin to tighten up again around the Easter holiday. Organic Blackberries continue to be available with fairly promotable volume. New spring crops are starting up, the quality is very nice, and fruit is eating excellent. Harvests out of Mexico have improved slightly, bringing pricing down a little bit. The quality has been excellent.