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Organic Market Update: Sept. 27-Oct. 3

Abundant East Coast fall organics, Brussels sprouts now back in stock and specialty fruit still available. Read more in this week’s organic market update.

4 Min Read
October 3 2024 Organic Market Update

East Coast Fall Organics

Organic Green, Red and Lacinato Kales as well as Organic Collard Greens are now abundant out of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, through mid-October. Fields are in excellent condition and the product looks exceptional. Promote! Continuing in season from Pennsylvania, Organic Fennel and Cabbage to promote through mid-October. Additionally, some modest amounts of high quality Organic Bunched Herbs are available. Organic Grape, Cherry, Rainbow Cherry and Heirloom Tomatoes, along with Organic bag Shishito Peppers, bag Mini Sweet Peppers, Green Bell Peppers and Eggplant will be available from Pennsylvania into October. Then, during the month many of these items will transition to new crop production out of Florida for the Fall season. East Coast Organic Cucumbers and Zucchini Green Squash are now available out of Florida.

Broccoli/Cauliflower

Quebec-grown Organic Broccoli is in season as an alternative option to the more expensive California product, alongside limited quantities of Pennsylvania-grown Stalk Broccoli. Organic Broccoli continues to be readily available out of California, despite ongoing high prices. Costs have slightly declined in late September and are expected to continue easing into early October. Quality and availability remain favorable. However, the price of Organic Broccoli Crowns is still elevated, with limited supply. The availability of Organic Sweet Baby Broccoli and Organic Broccoli Rabe has decreased. Costs rose in late September and continue to rise into October. There will be a gap in Organic Broccoli Rabe from late September through early October due to quality concerns affecting the harvest. Organic Cauliflower availability remains stable, although prices have remained higher in late September. Strong quality is expected to continue into early October, with some cost relief anticipated.

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Specialty Fruit

California Organic Red Flesh Dragon Fruit is in peak season! This fruit adds vibrant color to any fruit salad or smoothie and will be sold in 5lb cases. Also in season from California: Organic Passion Fruit and Organic Kiwano Horned Melons. From Florida: Organic Water Coconuts, Jackfruit, Mamey, Lemongrass and Green Skin Avocados.

Fall Fruit

Organic Kiwi Berries will be available for early October—get this specialty fruit while it lasts! Look out for Organic Fuyu and Hachiya Persimmons arriving in early October—these rising stars in fall produce will soon be available for your displays! Organic Pomegranates will be available in early October from California. Pricing will drop as more growers bring organic fruit to market. Organic Pomegranate Arils 12/4 oz will be in season starting the first week of October.

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Brussel Sprouts

After a brief supply disruption, Organic Brussels Sprouts are back in stock. Mexico is providing high-quality product at stable prices, with Wisconsin production set to start in October to help bridge any gaps from the Mexican supply.

Lettuce

Organic Iceberg Lettuce is competitively priced and widely available from California, with local supply from New Jersey expected in early October. Organic Romaine Hearts remain consistent, with stable supplies and pricing continuing through September. Organic Romaine and Leaf Lettuce supplies are plentiful through late September, with improved pricing due to increased production in Quebec. Keep an eye out for promotional opportunities. Production from Pennsylvania and New Jersey has also begun in late September.

Citrus

The Organic Lemon market is currently supported by Argentina, Mexico and California, with varying quality and prices. California prices remain higher, but expect a transition into California fruit overall in early October. The Organic Valencia Orange season has ended, with Organic Navel Oranges set to start mid-to-late October from California. Organic Limes are seeing stronger supply with the start of the winter crop, but prices remain high, expected to gradually decrease into October.

Apples

New crop Washington Organic Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp and Sweetango Apples are now available in peak season supply. Organic Envy Apples are expected to join the offerings around the second week of November. Additionally, Organic Lady Alice and Opal Apples are set to begin around the second week of October, with Organic Pinata Apples anticipated in November. Washington Organic Pink Lady Apples have been delayed until November. Import supplies are limited, resulting in a gap before the arrival of the new crop. Washington Organic Opal, SugarBee, Kanzi and Envy Apples are expected to begin their new crop availability from early to mid-October.

About the Author

Organic Produce Network staff

Organic Produce Network

Organic Produce Network staff

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