Market Minute: Fluctuating markets showing improvement
By
Ron Pelger
Market Minute: Fluctuating markets showing improvement
Did you ever take one of those up-and-down rides at an amusement park until you got exhaustively dizzy? That’s how retailers felt this winter while trying to put together key produce items for ad promotions. It unfortunately occurred with some of the markets such as lettuce, tomatoes, cauliflower and peppers.
The lettuce market has changed and is higher on good demand. Iceberg, leaf and Romaine supplies out of Arizona are very light causing escalated pricing.
The tomato market is still seesawing due to disruptions by weather in some of the growing regions. Mexico had some harvest delays, and Florida supplies were limited. However, the weather is starting to improve and should be favorable for more production. Demand has been light largely because of higher prices, but watch the market closely for a change during the next few weeks. At least cluster tomatoes are currently reasonable and good for promoting.
The red and yellow Bell pepper supply is still light and limited. Green Bell peppers are starting to show some improvement but are still teetering with supply and demand markets.
Cauliflower is another item that has been swinging up and down. Just when the market has shown some promotable signs, it starts to fluctuate again. Jump on any market openings to promote before they close up fast.
Keep checking with your suppliers on these items. With the outlook of spring and improved weather, the markets will hopefully be in the retailer’s favor.
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].