MARKET UPDATE FROM EARL’S ORGANICS

 

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FRUIT MARKET UPDATE

We are one week closer to California Citrus season! We expect the first of the Mandarins and Navels to arrive as soon as this week, but it all depends on how early harvests go. Keep in touch with your Earl’s Sales Rep for all the juicy details. We received the first Sweet Limes from DOC’s last week – a floral, minimally acidic, and unique piece of fruit. Apples and Pears are rolling steady, the Autumn Glory the latest arrival last week. We expect a great season, though Asian Pearsmay wind down shortly. 

The Red Kiwi from Wild River is an exciting new addition to the Kiwi class, alongside their Greens and Golds. Zespri has finished with Green Kiwis from New Zealand; we will have their Gold for another month month or so. Pomegranates are going strong and we have delicious Fuyu Persimmons from various growers: Terra Firma and Wild River are both shipping bulk 25# packs for a great price. It’s a lighter crop set and so that means the fruit is larger this year, and prices are elevated. We do expect them to come down, but remain on the higher end. 

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The Avocado market however is very low this season! We have Fair Trade Avocados from Equal Exchange and Calavo, who are both at the peak of their season. The fruit is tasting delicious. It’s a great year to try out large 48ct avocados, which have a lower price than other sizes (a rare event). 

Grapes are still going strong, though we are past the peak. Quality is very sharp with fresh stems and crunchy berries. In the latter half of the season we may begin to see ambering on the greens and other defects. But for now, promote away and keep tables full of these California delights! 

This is the toughest time of year for Berries. Forbidden Blues are solid, though Import Pints are still limited. Blackberries are largely unavailable. Raspberry quality has been good from Mexico, but rain is limiting supplies. Strawberries are quickly winding down out of Watsonville/Salinas, but Mexico won’t start in earnest until December. We expect a bumpy road in the coming weeks – keep inventory tight and work closely with your sales rep to determine your buys.

We’re receiving the first Chestnuts this week, a sure sign of the holidays. California Chestnuts from Etter Orchards are grown just outside of Garberville. Did you know that the Chestnut Tree used to be the most prolific tree in the eastern United States? It was devastated by blight in the early 1900s, eventually killing nearly 4 billion trees. Buying and preparing Chestnuts during the holidays is a glorious way to pay homage to a lost heritage in our country. They are also nutritious and versatile! Chestnuts can be used in holiday recipes from roasting to stuffing. Packed with B vitamins, protein, fiber, potassium, and magnesium. We are also expecting to receive Regenerative Organic Walnuts from Old Dog Ranch. Head to their website to learn more about their offering! 

In Tropicals, Mangos from Ecuador should start this week! Pineapples are still struggling in a tight market, and local Dragon Fruitended up all but unavailable due to the rains. Passion Fruit is going strong and we expect Feijoa in a week. We received the new, Organic Coconut Chunks last week from Genuine Coconut! Try them on your set!