This week in the United States, retail promotions centered on back-to-school items, with a strong focus on child-friendly fruit, vegetables, and juices. Grapes, tangerines, strawberries, baby carrots, and apple juice were among the most promoted products. The first pumpkin-flavored bakery items also appeared, signaling an approaching seasonal shift in some regions. However, summer produce remained prominent, with peaches, nectarines, plums, watermelons, cantaloupes, corn, zucchini, mangoes, tomatoes, and cherries continuing to feature heavily.
Specialty Crops Market News announced that 11 new commodities have been added to the National Retail Report. Additionally, 16 new varieties and 43 pack sizes were included for existing commodities.
The total number of ads this week reached 318,130, a 9% increase compared to 292,163 last week. Compared to the same week in 2024, the total was 2% lower than the 325,888 reported at that time. By commodity group, fruit accounted for 181,422 ads (57%), onions and potatoes 19,433 (6%), vegetables 112,774 (35%), and herbs 2,813. Organic produce represented 42,369 ads, 13% of the total.
In terms of pricing trends, fruit items showing increases compared to the same week last year included blueberries, up 20% for a pint and 17% for a 6-ounce package. Round mangoes were up 12%, while white seedless grapes increased by 12% per pound. Decreases were recorded for peaches, down 22% for white and 20% for yellow, and white nectarines, down 11%.
Potatoes and onions showed no major changes in price compared to the same week in 2024. For vegetables, sweet corn (trays of 4-5 ears) increased by 29%, green bell peppers rose by 19%, and cauliflower was up 11% per unit. No other notable increases were reported.
The data reflects a balance between end-of-summer availability and emerging fall demand, with overall retail activity showing modest growth week over week.
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