Market report: Organic tomato supplies tighten, California grape season ramps up
OPN reports organic tomato pricing remains favorable for now, though markets are expected to strengthen by mid- to late July as supplies tighten.
Organic tomato supplies are beginning to tighten while California’s new organic grape crop is delivering strong quality and increasingly promotable pricing, according to the latest weekly Organic Market Update from Organic Produce Network (OPN).
The July 3-10 market report highlights shifting supply conditions across several key organic produce categories as growers move deeper into the summer production season.
Organic beefsteak and cluster tomatoes continue to show good availability and quality, but supplies are gradually becoming lighter. OPN reports pricing remains favorable for now, though markets are expected to strengthen by mid- to late July as supplies tighten. Organic grape tomatoes also remain in limited supply, with elevated prices driven by seasonal production transitions, holiday demand and constrained availability.
In contrast, California’s new organic grape season is off to a strong start. Early varieties, including Flame, Ruby Rush, Sparkle, Sugarone, SugarDrop, Ivory and Sable seedless grapes, are reported to have excellent quality. OPN expects pricing to become more promotional by mid- to late July as harvest volumes increase in California’s San Joaquin Valley.
The report also notes steady supplies of organic strawberries from California at promotable pricing. Meanwhile, Pacific Northwest organic blueberry production is expected to ramp up following the conclusion of New Jersey’s local season, which was shortened by spring freeze damage followed by excessive heat. Strong volumes and promotable conditions are anticipated later this month.
Among melons, specialty organic varieties such as Gaya, Galia and Hami are now in season. California organic honeydew and cantaloupe supplies have improved but remain relatively expensive, while mini watermelons are available in good supply with promotional pricing. Standard watermelons remain limited because of holiday demand and lighter field yields.
Organic broccoli continues to be widely available from the West Coast and Quebec, while cauliflower prices have strengthened following a brief production gap in western growing regions.
Stone fruit supplies remain favorable, with peaches, nectarines, plums and pluots widely available. Washington organic apricots are also entering the market, although supplies are expected to remain intermittent throughout July.
Elsewhere, organic mango supplies from Mexico are tightening, with OPN reporting reduced availability and higher prices compared to typical seasons. Organic sweet corn is also in snug supply from North Carolina and California, with some East Coast growers experiencing insect-related quality issues.