Ad numbers fell this week, as expected after a major holiday. Nonetheless, retailers offered plenty of promotions this week, focusing on Lent, Easter, and Purim. Citrus of all varieties was well-promoted, both for general enjoyment and as an accompaniment to meatless meals during Lent. Strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries were popular for healthy snacking and springtime desserts. Summer favorites such as cantaloupe, watermelons, peaches, and nectarines were featured as the weather began to warm in some areas of the country.
Total ad numbers this week were 265,835, a 7% decrease from last week's total of 287,137. The total for the same week last year was 6% lower at 251,103. The total number of ads broken out by commodity groups: fruit 139,929 (53% of all ads), onions and potatoes 21,310 (8%), vegetables 95,041 (36%), and herbs 1,925. The number of ads for organic produce was 36,171, 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 only seedless grapes (red at 27%, white at 16%). There were no significant decreases. The only significant change for onions and potatoes this week was a 19% decrease for Russet potatoes (5 lb. bag). Significant increases in price for vegetables this week included Roma tomatoes at 20% and organic baby carrots (1 lb. bag) at 10%. There were no significant decreases.
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Source: mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov