The observance of Lent began last week and stores had everything needed for delicious meatless meals. Lemons and limes were popular and often advertised alongside fish and seafood. Other favorites such as chayote, poblano peppers, cactus pads, artichokes, bell peppers, eggplant, and Portobella mushrooms were well-advertised. Imported peaches, nectarines, cantaloupes, and watermelons reminded shoppers of warmer days to come.
Total ad numbers this week were 307,721, a 12% increase from last week's total of 275,846. The total for the same week last year was 2% lower at 302,977. The total number of ads broken out by commodity groups: fruit 167,075 (54% of all ads), onions and potatoes 23,634 (8%), vegetables 112,785 (37%), herbs 2,512, ornamentals 665, and hemp 3,562. The number of ads for organic produce was 47,927, 16% of total ads.
The following are the prices of major advertised items (3,000 plus ads) this week, compared to the same week last year. Significant increases in price for fruit this week included seedless grapes (black at 40%, red at 28%, white at 26%) and apple juice (64 oz.) at 11%. Significant decreases for fruit included Fuji apples (per lb.) at 22% and Honeycrisp apples (per lb.) at 18%. There were no significant changes in price for potatoes and onions this week. Significant increases in price for vegetables this week included only asparagus at 11%. Significant decreases included Roma tomatoes at 17% and celery (each) at 15%.
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Source: mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov