Thanksgiving ads broke this week, as evidenced by the large increase in ad totals. Cranberries in 12 oz. bags, sweet potatoes by the pound, and celery bunches were the most advertised commodities this week. Other Thanksgiving favorites like Brussels sprouts, potatoes, onions, mushrooms, cooking greens, packaged salads, apples, persimmons, pomegranates, hard squashes, and avocados were also well promoted. Poinsettias and mums are showcased for adding holiday color to homes.
Total ad numbers this week were 322,192, a 22% increase from last week's total of 263,734. The total for the same week last year was 37% lower at 235,234. The total number of ads broken out by commodity groups: fruit 150,867 (47% of all ads), onions and potatoes 29,686 (9%), vegetables 133,471 (41%), herbs 980, ornamentals 5,828 (2%), and hemp 2,375. The number of ads for organic produce was 34,325, 11% 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 avocados at 32%, raspberries (6 oz.) at 15%, Granny Smith apples (per lb.) at 11%, and apple juice (64 oz.) at 10%. Significant decreases included blueberries (1 pint) at 25%, Navel oranges (4 lb. bag) at 25%, pineapples (ea.) at 15%, and blackberries (5.6-6 oz.) at 11%. The only significant change in price for potatoes and onions this week was a 16% increase for Russet potatoes (5 lb.). Significant increases in price for vegetables this week included packaged salad (10-12 oz.) package at 31% and collards (per bunch) at 23%. Significant decreases included only Brussels sprouts at 31%. Poinsettias in 6-inch pots decreased in price by 30%.
For more information:
USDA
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