Stores were brimming with sweet summer fruit and delicious vegetables in time for Memorial Day and graduation celebrations. Watermelons, peaches, cherries, strawberries, grapes, corn, asparagus, colored bell peppers, tomatoes, and zucchini were among the most-advertised items this week. Jalapeno peppers, avocadoes, cilantro, onions, potatoes, and cucumbers were also heavily featured. Gladiolas and mums were showcased to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to their country.
Total ad numbers this week were 298,867, an 8% increase from last week's 276,847. The total for the same week last year was 2% higher than for this year. The total number of ads broken out by commodity groups: fruit 147,843 (49% of all ads), onions and potatoes 18,327 (6%), vegetables 126,217 (42%), herbs 2,235, ornamentals 2,848, and hemp 1,397. The number of ads for organic produce was 38,910, 13% 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 red cherries at 38%, avocados at 34%, yellow peaches at 30%, and seedless watermelons (ea) at 23%. Significant decreases included organic strawberries (1 lb) at 18% and red seedless grapes at 11%.
Significant increases in price for onions and potatoes this week included sweet yellow onions (per lb) at 17% and Russet potatoes (5 lb bag) at 11%. There were no significant decreases. Significant increases in price for vegetables this week included corn at 44%, packaged salad (10-12 oz¬) at 19%, and zucchini at 14%. Significant decreases included only tomatoes at 21%.
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Source: mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov