Market Minute: Berries starting to loosen up for promoting

The berry category plays a significant role in boosting sales volume for produce departments. Strawberries are the major player in drawing shoppers to the store, especially when they are on ad promotion. Blueberries are also a powerful sales builder within the berry category. Raspberries have really developed into an impressive sales generator over the past few years, and blackberries add excitement to the rest of the berry medley.

Strawberries are now in better volume out of Florida and the market has dropped. Supply out of Mexico is also running good with excellent quality. California volume is lighter after being struck with recent storms but is on the rebound.

Blueberry demand out of Peru and Chile is light with a steady market. The quality is excellent. Mexican blueberry demand is also light with a lower market. With three areas of supplies, this is a great time for sales ads.

Raspberries are very light at this point on a higher market. Volume is limited until new berries start to produce.

Blackberries remain steady out of Mexico as a new crop has begun and is showing good quality.

Now is the time to set up a nice attractive mixed berry display at the produce entrance as customers approach the department. Berries will always increase produce sales volume as well as gross profit dollars.

Get together with your berry suppliers and put together some appealing ad promotions.

Ron Pelger is a produce industry adviser and industry writer. He can be contacted at 775/843-2394 or by e-mail at [email protected].