Sep 29, 2022

Organic market update: Week 38

The Organic Produce Network offers a round-up of organic fruit and vegetable production for national and international markets.

Apples and Pears
New crop Organic Gala Apples out of Washington are in great supply, and excellent quality on all sizes and packs. New crop early Washington Organic Honeycrisp Apples are available, in modest supply for September, and light fruit color. Growers expect to see better color and supplies as we move through October.

Import Organic Fuji Apples are expected to run out by the end of September and then gap for 2-3 weeks before new crop begins in October. Organic Asian, Bartlett, Bosc, and Starkrimson Red Pears out of CA and WA are in good supply and quality is excellent. The first Washington Organic Anjou Pears are expected to arrive early October.

Broccoli and Cauliflower
Organic Broccoli and Cauliflower volumes from California are improving, and late September will bring improved supply and quality, with better pricing. Quebec grown Organic Broccoli remains available and volume is improving after light supplies due to extra demand from California. Quebec supply of Organic Cauliflower remains limited or unavailable, but strong supplies are expected in early October.

Tropicals
Organic Hass Avocados are in steady supply from Mexico and should remain promotable heading into October. Organic Magenta Dragon Fruit is in very short supply, while Organic White Dragon Fruit is in excellent supply, and steady volumes projected through the end of the month. Organic Dragon Fruit is in better supply than conventional and priced to move on excellent quality. Organic Pineapples are in stronger supply for the third the week of September.

Grapes
Organic Green and Red Seedless Grapes are in peak season from California with promo pricing and good quality on newer varieties. Biodynamic Thompson Grapes, in paper totes, are in season in limited availability.

Peppers
Organic Color Bell Peppers from Holland and Canada experienced a slight rebound in mid-September; however, volumes will begin to drop once again. Expect increased prices, although quality is not expected to suffer on the lower overall volume.

Melons
Organic Mini Watermelons are available out of CA. Quality has been outstanding, and supplies are steady. Organic Cantaloupes and Honeydew are slowly finishing in California, with some growers have already done for the year. Supply will get tight and may be finished in early October.

Warm Veg
Organic Zucchini and Cucumbers from Florida have begun harvest and volumes are growing quickly. Promotional opportunities will present themselves in early October with increasing volumes. Organic Eggplant, Green Bell Peppers, Jalapeño Peppers, and Zucchini from PA have finished for the season. North Carolina production of these commodities and Organic Yellow Squash have begun in a limited fashion and are expected to increase as October approaches.