Even the 100-degree heat persisting in some parts of the country could not keep autumn away in grocery stores this week. Pears, pumpkins, apple cider, apple pears, hard squash, cabbage, onions, and potatoes signaled the change of season.
Back-to-school favorites such as tangerines, baby carrots, grapes, and berries were popular. Late-summer peaches, plums, nectarines, and cantaloupes were also well-advertised. Mums and decorative gourds added seasonal flair.
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Total ad numbers this week were 285,759, an 8% decrease from last week's total of 311,059. The total for the same week last year was 289,351, about 1% higher. Ads by commodity group were as follows: fruit 159,685 (56%), onions and potatoes 26,603 (9%), vegetables 87,478 (31%), herbs 1,954, ornamentals 2,594, hemp 6,040, and honey 3,359. Organic produce accounted for 44,063 ads, 15% of the total.
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The following are prices of major advertised items (3,000-plus ads) this week compared with the same week last year. Significant price increases for fruit included tangerines (3 lb.) up 26%, Gala apples (per lb.) up 22%, strawberries (1 lb.) up 14%, apple juice (64 oz.) up 13%, and blackberries (5.5–6 oz.) up 10%.
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There were no significant decreases. For potatoes and onions, the only notable change was a 23% increase for yellow onions (3 lb. bag). For vegetables, there were no significant increases, but packaged salad (10–12 oz.) decreased 27% and white mushrooms (8 oz.) decreased 15%.
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