Ads that broke early in this ad cycle focused on the Lunar New Year, with cherries, tangerines, grapefruit, oranges, pineapples, and grapes showcased for the centuries-old tradition of offering gifts of fruit to friends and family. Cauliflower, kale, packaged salads, cucumbers, and avocados were popular for determined shoppers still sticking to their New Year's healthy eating resolutions.
Total ad numbers this week were 282,110, a 4% decrease from last week's total of 292,817. The total for the same week last year was 2% lower than for this year. The total number of ads broken out by commodity groups: fruit 157,458 (56% of all ads), onions and potatoes 25,061 (9%), vegetables 95,123 (34%), herbs 1,319, ornamentals 1,356, and hemp 1,793. The number of ads for organic produce was 38,920, 14% 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 strawberries (1 lb.) at 23% and cantaloupes at 18%. Significant decreases included avocados at 28% and blueberries (1 pt.) at 11%. There were no significant changes in price this week for potatoes and onions. Significant increases in price for vegetables this week included cucumbers and packaged salad (10-12 oz), both at 10%. There were no significant decreases.
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Source: mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov