Organic Market Update: Aug. 16-22

Grapes

Now through September will be the best time of year to promote Organic Seedless Grapes from California during peak season. Organic Grapes are showing super-strong quality out of California, with solid varieties that are only getting stronger as we move into September. Organic Greens will be “Stella Bella” and “Sweet Globe” varieties for week 33, while Organic Red will be “Sparkle” and “Krissy.” Organic Black Seedless are “Sable” variety. Organic Specialty Grapes include Thomcords, Candy Snaps and Muscadines (North Carolina).

Apples/Pears

Organic Gala Apples in Washington are transitioning to the new crop in larger sizes, with smaller, primarily bagged sizes expected to transition at the start of September. Washington Organic Granny Smith Apples will experience an abrupt end in mid August due to quality issues on the storage crop. Limited imports of Organic Granny Smith supplies will be available, but not enough to meet demand until Washington’s new crop starts around mid-September. Expect higher prices and lower fill-rates until then. Washington Organic Cosmic Crisp Apples will be available until the new crop starts in December. Shippers are slowing down packing and pushing markets higher to achieve a seamless transition. Quality remains excellent. New Zealand Organic Diva Apples are finished for the season. As for pears, the new crop of California and Washington Organic Bartlett and Bosc Pears will be very limited and sporadic. Both crops are significantly smaller than last season after bloom drop during spring frosts. Organic Red Starkrimson Pears will come into season towards the end of August.

Broccoli/Cauliflower

Organic Broccoli from California remains available in August, but supplies are becoming scarce and prices are rising. These price increases are expected to continue into late August as production becomes increasingly limited. Expect unfavorable conditions to persist through the rest of August and into early September. Organic Cauliflower from California has experienced limited supplies since early August, leading to higher costs. While quality remains strong, gradual improvements in supply are anticipated towards late August.

Lettuce

Organic Romaine and Leaf Lettuce continue to have excellent availability and strong quality from both Quebec and California. With favorable pricing, the rest of August is an ideal time to promote these items. Look out for promotional opportunities on Organic Iceberg Lettuce from California and Organic Romaine Hearts—both boasting excellent quality, favorable pricing and strong availability throughout August!

Stone Fruit

Organic Yellow Peaches and Nectarines continue to be in good supply out of California and Washington, and should remain this way until at least Labor Day. Organic White Peaches and Nectarines are expected to tighten week by week, leading to stronger pricing as the season winds down. Organic Red Plums and Pluots are expected to continue through the end of August as well. Organic Black Plums are becoming very tight and are expected to finish for the season through the end of August.

Specialty Fruit

Several popular Florida-grown organic tropical items will be available in mid August! Organic Starfruit, Green Skin Avocados and Longans are the highly anticipated new arrivals! These will add to their other assortment of Organic Cactus Leaves, Napoles, Water Coconuts, Jackfruit, Mamey and Sapodilla.

Avocados

Organic Hass Avocado supplies remain tight from Mexico. But as August progresses, so should fruit volume and availability. Fair Trade Organic Hass Avocados are in season from Equal Exchange, including the popular 8/4ct ReadyCycle from Tray Pack and 48 and 60ct sized fruit.