This week, retail price adjustments were noted across a range of winter produce items. Winter citrus volumes increased, with new-crop California Meyer lemons and Texas grapefruit appearing more widely in weekly store advertisements. Products commonly purchased for Hanukkah, such as grape juice, potatoes, and carrots, were promoted in most retailers.
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Multiple apple varieties were highlighted for baking and holiday use. Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries were also featured, largely for salads and desserts. Fresh and packaged nuts continued to appear in stores for snacking and baking purposes. In the floral category, poinsettias, greenery, and Christmas cactus plants remained seasonal items.
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Total advertised items this week amounted to 274,030, a 9 per cent increase from last week's 252,276. The total for the same week last year was 277,170, 1 per cent higher than this year. Advertised items by category included: fruit 161,920 (59 per cent), onions and potatoes 22,741 (8 per cent), vegetables 74,270 (27 per cent), herbs 677, ornamentals 10,806 (4 per cent), hemp 1,801, and honey 2,492. Organic produce accounted for 38,574 ads, or 14 per cent of the total.
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Price comparisons for major items (3,000 or more ads) showed several year-on-year changes. Fruit items with increases included round mangoes, up 26 per cent; pomegranates (each), up 17 per cent; and blueberries (1 pint), up 13 per cent.
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Decreases were observed for Bartlett pears (per pound), down 16 per cent; white seedless grapes (per pound), down 16 per cent; and organic Gala apples (2-pound bag), down 11 per cent. Potatoes and onions showed no notable price movement this week, nor did the vegetable category overall. Poinsettias (6-inch pot) increased 14 per cent in price compared with the same week last year.
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