Jan 25, 2023

Report: Organic broccoli, cauliflower in good supply

Organic Produce Network’s Week 3 market update for 2023 includes good news for organic broccoli and cauliflower.

The report found affordable price points back on those vegetables as harvest yields are increasing during January.

The additional volume allows for more promotable price points from the desert growing regions of El Centro, California, and Yuma, Arizona, according to the report. Organic sweet baby broccoli is in good supply with excellent quality.

Also in the report:

• Organic blueberries remain steady despite delays in transport from Chile. Most supplies are still coming from Peru, but Chilean fruit will soon be available. Promotable prices are expected for the end of January.
• Organic blackberry prices will continue to be fairly promotable. Quality out of Mexico has been very nice, and plants continue to produce good yields.
• Organic raspberry prices will remain expensive and will remain so until late January, with central Mexico continuing to experience limited supplies and light Baja production beginning.
• Organic strawberries are also in limited supply, with prices expected to remain high through January.  Border crossing issues and cooler temps are affecting supplies, with light availability in Florida and Baja still a few weeks away from harvests.
• Organic lettuce is continuing to experience increased volume and lower prices, with harvests of green leaf, red leaf and romaine taking place in Punta Gorda, Florida. Production and quality are predicted to remain strong through January, with California growing regions also showing strong supply of all items, including organic iceberg and romaine hearts.
• Fair Trade organic mix heirloom and “darkloom” tomatoes will soon start out of Mexico. Organic grape tomato prices have eased and are expected to remain steady. Both Mexico and Florida are seeing warmer temperatures with volume picking up quickly. Strong volume in Florida is expected into February.
• Organic color bell peppers from Mexico have begun to harvest strong volumes, with promotional opportunities available on all three colors. Product from Israel remains available, but prices are elevated because of airfreight costs. Organic mini mix sweet peppers have improved availability, with clamshells available from Florida.
• Organic Fuji and Honeycrisp apples will have promotional opportunities on 64-count and larger sizes through January. Organic Envy, Cosmic Crisp, Opal and Sugarbee Apples are the promotable premium varieties through January.
• Organic Hass avocadoes continue to be in peak season with excellent supply. Larger fruit size is more plentiful, with popular 60-count fruit yields down slightly. Promotional opportunities should be available the next several weeks.
• Organic Kent mangos are available from Peru, with steady volumes expected the next few weeks.
• Organic Fair Trade Royal Star papayas are in good supply for January.
• Organic pineapple supplies from Costa Rica will increase later this month.
• Organic feijoa, passion fruit and Kiwano melons will be available from California.