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The popularity spike of organics in 2020 wasn’t maintained in 2021, but it’s higher than in 2019 and it’s expected to grow in 2022.

U.S. organic fresh produce imports are surging, according to USDA import statistics.

Los Angeles-based 4Earth Farms has launched several new organic items in the past few months, including broccoli and cauliflower florets, halved and shaved Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower rice.

A comparison of central California truck shipments of organic fresh produce in 2021 compared with 2020 showed a big gain in oranges and romaine lettuce, but lower shipments for multiple vegetables.

Select organic apple varieties are in outstanding position for retail promotions in the next few months, said Brianna Shales, marketing director for Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers.

Chelan Fresh will be heavily focused on its organic SugarBee and Rockit apple programs in the months ahead, said Kevin Stennes, organic sales manager for the Chelan Wash.-based company.

Truck rates are at historic highs for the produce industry, and that reality presents challenges to apple marketers in the Northwest and other regions.

Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers is focused on year-round supply for its partners, said Dan Davis, director of business development for the Wenatchee, Wash.-based marketer.

Hudson River Fruit Distributors is actively marketing SnapDragon, RubyFrost and EverCrisp apples in 2022, said Alisha Albinder Camac, owner and operator of the Milton, N.Y-based apple marketer.

Superfresh Growers will have organic and conventional Honeycrisp and gala variety apples through the summer, said Cat Gipe-Stewart, communication manager for Domex Superfresh Growers, Yakima, Wash.