Even the 100-degree heat persisting in some parts of the country couldn't keep autumn away in grocery stores this week. Pomegranates, pumpkins, apple cider, apple pears, hard squash, mushrooms, cabbage, and grapes heralded the change of season. Back-to-school favorites like tangerines, baby carrots, grapes, and berries were popular. Late summer peaches, plums, nectarines, and cantaloupes were well advertised. Mums and decorative gourds added seasonal flair, while Halloween costumes and candy were on display for shoppers eager to celebrate fall.
Total ad numbers this week were 289,351, a 4% decrease from last week's total of 300,368. The total number of ads broken out by commodity groups: fruit 162,637 (56% of all ads), onions and potatoes 22,162 (8%), vegetables 98,298 (34%), herbs 1,975, ornamentals 2,378, and hemp 3,876. The number of ads for organic produce was 34,736, 12% 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 round mangos at 18%, tangerines (3 lb.) at 13%, Bartlett Pears (per lb.) at 10%, and apple juice (64 oz.) at 10%. Significant decreases included Honeycrisp apples (per lb.) at 33%, strawberries (1 lb.) at 10%, and yellow peaches at 10%. Significant changes in price for potatoes and onions this week included only a 13% decrease for Russet potatoes (5 lb.). Significant increases in price for vegetables this week included long seedless cucumbers at 27%, iceberg lettuce (ea.) at 21%, and cucumbers at 14%. Significant decreases included only green bell peppers (ea.) at 44%.
For the full USDA report, click here.