Organic Market Update: July 19 - July 25
This week brings outstanding quality for lettuce and a dynamic point in the season for mangoes. Potato, stone fruit and grape seasons are in transition.
July 23, 2024
Melons
Organic Melons are in peak season from California’s Central Valley. Pricing is dropping on large (9 ct) Organic Cantaloupes and Honeydew as supply peaks with larger sizes—expect good quality. The supply of small fruit (12/5 ct) Organic Cantaloupes is more limited. Organic Specialty Melons are in season, like Organic Orange Honeydew and Organic Galia, but with excessive heat it will be wise to turn inventory quickly. Organic Mini Seedless Watermelons are plentiful while Organic full-size Watermelons are more limited for mid-to-late July.
Mangoes
Organic Nam Doc Mai and Mallika Specialty Mangoes will be available in mid-July in a small flush. Promote these unique varieties that are only available during this time of year! Through July, the availability of Organic Mangos will shift from 10ct to peaking on 8ct due to its larger size, while 12ct are virtually done. Organic Ataulfo Honey Mangoes are also quickly coming to an end.
Potatoes
Organic Russet Potatoes from California continue to roll along with steady supply and price on the bags and the A size. No counts are available. It has not been a good season for California Organic Russet Potatoes this year. Washington state is expected to start digging Organic Russet Potatoes at the end of July but isn’t expected to generate any size until early August. There is a light at the end of the tunnel on some larger new crop Organic Russet Potatoes, but it will likely be another three weeks until those are in-house.
Lettuce
Organic Romaine Hearts from California are producing high yields with outstanding quality and promotional opportunities are available throughout the month. Organic Iceberg volumes from California have improved in volume throughout July, though prices remain slightly elevated. Organic Leaf Lettuce and Romaine from New York and Quebec are thriving, with affordable pricing and stable volumes expected into August.
Broccoli
Organic Broccoli yields are improving weekly in July, with pricing starting to follow. While promotional opportunities aren’t yet available this month, continued improvements may lead to them in August from California and Quebec.
Grapes
The supply of new crop California Organic Seedless Grapes is gradually increasing as some major players begin to participate. Varieties will start off traditional until more proprietary varieties become available in August. Mexico is finished for the season on Organic Grapes, except for Organic Cotton Candy Grapes which are promotable.
Stone Fruit
Organic Nectarines out of California will become much tighter in the coming weeks. Fortunately, Washington should pick up where California leaves off, with a decent crop expected to start at any time. Organic Red and Black Plums and Pluots are in excellent supply. Organic Apricots have transitioned from California to Washington with the season expected to go through August. Organic Cherries did not fare well with the recent Washington high heat. Prices are increasing due to a scarcity of supply, and we anticipate finishing the season before the end of July. The season is over for Organic Rainier Cherries, and Organic Skylar Rae Cherries will conclude in late July.
Berries
Organic Blueberries originating from the Pacific Northwest are highly marketable. Oregon/Washington fruit is coming in with strong volume, aggressive pricing and excellent quality. Organic Strawberries will stabilize as harvests slow down following a minor flush with mid-July promo prices. Once the deal fruit runs out, you can expect a stabilization of supplies and a return to more elevated prices. The quality has been excellent, including some of the best-tasting fruit of the season. Organic Blackberries should be available with steady supplies outside of California. After a slight gap, production has become steady. Pricing will increase slightly. The quality and flavor have been excellent. Overall, the supply of Organic Raspberries from California remains stable, pricing eased off a bit and the quality has been nice. The fruit is also excellent to eat.