This week retailers focused on all the things spring. Popular Lenten favorites such as cactus pads, mushrooms, and chayote were popular, and lemons and limes were seen advertised alongside fish and seafood. Artichokes, leeks, strawberries, Swiss chard, asparagus, and green beans were featured for lighter spring meals.
Year-round staples such as grapes, berries, and tomatoes were plentiful. Deals on cabbage, carrots, onions, and potatoes were abundant ahead of St. Patrick's Day. Gladiolas, tulips, and daffodils brightened up floral sections.
Total ad numbers this week were 291,642, about the same as last week's total of 290,940. The total for the same week last year was 10% lower at 265,397. The total number of ads broken out by commodity groups: fruit 150,522 (52%), onions and potatoes 21,233 (7%), vegetables 117,343 (40%), herbs 744, ornamentals 1,878, and hemp 666. The number of ads for organic produce was 38,965, 13% 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 pineapples at 20%. Significant decreases included seedless grapes (red at 22%, white at 11%), lemons (each) at 18%, and strawberries (1 lb.) at 10%.
There were no significant changes in price for onions and potatoes this week. Significant increases in price for vegetables this week included green cabbage at 17%, red bell peppers at 13%, and asparagus at 10%. Significant decreases included grape tomatoes (10 oz.) at 22% and Roma tomatoes at 21%.
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