Organic Market Update: Aug. 30- Sept. 6

Apples

Organic Gala Apples are now in peak season with new crop 2024 harvests from Washington. Organic Honeycrisp Apples are transitioning from storage crop to new crop 2024 Washington fruit for early September. New crop Washington Organic SweeTango Apples are back in season starting the first week of September. This early season high-end snacking apple has Honeycrisp parentage and pleasing flavor. The first imported Canadian Organic McIntosh Apples are due in the second week of September. The storage crop of Organic Cosmic Crisp Apples is dwindling with prices firming. However, the upcoming 2024 new crop, starting in late November, is twice the size of 2023. Get ready for promotions starting in December. Washington and import Organic Granny Smith Apples are just about sold out, but the first California fruit is expected in early September with small size and volume. The 2024 new crop is just weeks away from Washington later in September. Organic Pink Lady Apples are limited on remaining imports and Washington storage volume, especially in larger sizes.

Pears

Organic Starkrimson Red Pears are now available from Washington, with excellent quality and steady supply expected for the season. New crop Washington and Oregon Organic Green Bartlett Pears are in peak season. Prices are higher this year due to a lower volume crop. Bulk US 1 and 12/2 lb pouch bags will be available. Organic Asian Pears are expected in the first week of September, with good supplies continuing throughout the season. Organic Bosc Pears continue to be limited, with high pricing from California.

Lettuce

Organic Iceberg and Romaine Hearts continue to have consistent availability and favorable prices for the beginning of September. Take advantage of these favorable prices to highlight promotions, as costs are expected to rise later in the month. Organic Leaf and Romaine Lettuce pricing is starting to rise, though availability remains consistent. California production is supplementing the limitations from Quebec and the Northeast, but freight costs are higher, contributing to the price increase.

Broccoli

Organic Broccoli from California remains available, though slightly limited. Volume is expected to recover in early September. Quebec production remains inconsistent but provides a great supplemental option. Quality from both regions continues to be favorable. Organic Broccoli Crowns are limited from both regions as September begins, so expect shortages and potential gaps.

Potatoes and Sweets

More new crop regions are coming into season with Organic Color Potatoes and 10/5lb Organic Russet Potatoes at the end of August. Pricing is very attractive and should stay that way for the foreseeable future. Organic Ben Yagi Sweet Potatoes are now done for the season. The next harvest for both Organic Ben Yagi and Stokes Purple Potatoes are expected towards the end of September.

Pineapples

Organic Pineapples remain in very short supply, with orders being prorated. Early September volumes will stay limited, but should see improvements by mid-to-late September.

Berries

Organic Raspberry pricing will rise slightly as the California crop slows down for the season. Quality remains excellent. Organic Blackberry prices have increased due to lower yields from California. Supplies remain steady, and quality continues to be exceptional. Central Mexico is expected to begin in mid-October. Organic Strawberries continue to be limited out of California. Pricing will hold steady, but supply should rebound as later plantings finish out the California season. Quality has been excellent. Light supplies of Greenhouse Organic Strawberries will be sporadically available over the start of September as new crops start. Organic Blueberries will be limited with high pricing due to global demand. The Pacific Northwest fruit is nearly finished and Peruvian supplies can’t keep up with demand. Expect availability to be week-to-week throughout September.

Mangos

Organic Mangos from Mexico will be available through the start of September, with most being the Organic Keitt Mango variety. These non-hot-water-treated Organic Mangos are among the tastiest you’ll find all year! Following this, we’ll see California Organic Keitt and Tommy Atkins Mangos from Brazil, marking the first year Brazil has shipped organic fruit to the U.S.

Peppers

Organic Color Bell Peppers are tight in Canada. But Mexico has started production, bringing prices down slightly. There’s currently no supply from Holland.