Spring was again the theme at stores this week. Seasonal favorites like cabbage, asparagus, strawberries, raspberries, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli crowns were well-advertised. Sales on daffodils and tulips were plentiful. Imported nectarines, peaches, and cantaloupes reminded shoppers of summer and warmer days yet to come. Lemons and limes were advertised with seafood for Lent. Easter candy, décor, and gift items were promoted in most flyers. Many retailers posted notices asking patrons for their understanding and patience in this time of uncertain product availability.
Total ad numbers this week were 281,850, about the same as last week's 282,565. The total for the same week last year was 7% higher than for this year. The total number of ads broken out by commodity groups: fruit 146,519 (52% of all ads), onions and potatoes 20,774 (7%), vegetables 111,090 (39%), herbs 797, ornamentals 1,846, and hemp 824. The number of ads for organic produce was 44,051, 16% of total ads.
The following are the prices of major advertised items (3,000 plus stores) this week, compared to the same week last year. Significant increases in price for fruit this week included yellow peaches at 35%, yellow nectarines at 33%, avocados at 23%, clementines at 20%, Navel oranges at 16%, seedless grapes (red at 15%, white at 14%), lemons at 14%, mangos at 14%, apple juice at 13%, D'anjou pears at 11%, and strawberries at 10%.
Significant decreases included blackberries and blueberries, both at 10%. There were no significant changes in price for onions and potatoes. There were no significant increases nor decreases in price for vegetables this week.
Click here to read the full report.
Source: mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov