Market Minute: Lower post-holiday demand has lightened some produce markets

January and February are noted as the slowest retail food sales months following the year-end holidays. One good thing about the food business is that consumers have to eat. They may cut back on their spending and food choices to pay for all those holiday bills; however, shoppers may not evade the many grocery store discount promotions that tempts them to make incremental purchases.

The demand for such items as broccoli, cauliflower, citrus and grapes is starting to show some softer markets in order to move product.

Broccoli Bunch and Crowns: California and Arizona demand has slowed up resulting in a slightly lower market. The quality is excellent. Good time to promote.

Cauliflower: Like broccoli, this market is slightly lower due to less retail demand. A good production period during January and February should enable some valued promotions as well.

Grapes: New crop red and green grapes imported from Peru and Chile are looking excellent with good taste. Production and markets are gradually improving and will be readily available for some great ad promotions that will generate some super sales volume.

Your suppliers are eager to put together some attractive ad programs with you. Check on these items with them to move some well-deserved sales volume during the next few weeks.

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].