Jun 15, 2023
California organic fruit in full swing, vegetables heat up across U.S.
Organic fruit from California is plentiful, with strawberries, stone fruit, cherries and mandarins with good availability and organic greens and lettuces from Pennsylvania and New Jersey expected to be strong through the end of June.
The Organic Produce Network’s week 24 organic crop report, released June 15, charts availability of notable U.S. and import crops.
Berries
Organic strawberry prices remain promotable overall as California production is strong, and quality is excellent. Organic blackberries are steady overall, as California production continues to improve weekly, and quality is excellent. Mexico also continues to harvest as weather has been favorable. New Jersey organic blackberries are expected to start at the end of June, while blueberry production will slowly begin the week of June 18, with steady availability going forward. Quality should be excellent. Organic raspberry prices remain steady out of California, and quality has improved from new growing blocks.
Stone fruit
California organic cherries are in excellent supply with prices declining. Expect to see the first variety of Washington organic cherries this week. The crop should be a nice size with promotional opportunities. Organic apricots are very tight out of California, with Washington fruit expected to start in early July. Organic yellow and white nectarines are in good supply, and sizing is expected to improve. Organic yellow peaches from California are in excellent supply, and organic white peach production begins this week. Organic yellow peaches from South Carolina are also starting production, with limited supplies and high prices. The first organic black plums and “Flavorosa” pluots are available in very limited supplies.
Mangoes
Now is the time to promote organic mangos, with excellent volumes and quality of Tommy Atkins mangos. Florida organic mangos are available in limited quantities. The fruit is not hot water treated and will be available throughout June and July.
Greens & Lettuces
Organic greens and lettuces remain in strong supply from Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Expect promotional opportunities throughout the month. Organic romaine hearts and iceberg lettuce continues to be available from Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Supplies are steady, while quality is excellent. California lettuce supply volume is also strong.
Assorted vegetables
Organic cucumbers, eggplant and zucchini are bountiful on the East Coast, as production from Georgia to Pennsylvania continues to produce excellent supplies. As the summer continues, expect supplies to shift north by early to mid-July.
Corn
Organic bi-color corn volume has slowed down from California, but are expected to increase later this month. Organic Bi-Color Sweet Corn volume has slowed from California but are expected to increase later this month. Carolina corn production will also begin in late June.
Citrus
Organic Golden Nugget and Murcott mandarins will remain in excellent supply through the month. Mexican organic limes are in excellent supply with promotional opportunities available. Organic navel oranges are winding down for the season, and growers will have a smooth transition into organic Valencia oranges, which will be limited due to a smaller crop. Organic lemon volume is unexpectedly tight. Mexico is expected to begin production shortly, which should improve supplies by the end of June.
Broccoli & Cauliflower
Organic broccoli yields from California have decreased, creating an increase in pricing. Pennsylvania and Virginia production will continue to supplement lighter supplies from the West. Organic broccoli crown yields have also decreased, resulting in limited availability and significant price increases. Organic cauliflower conditions remain consistent, with steady availability and pricing, and excellent quality.
