Market Minute: New citrus crop ready for ad promotions
By
Ron Pelger
Market Minute: New citrus crop ready for ad promotions
It is time for some winter citrus promotions again with a nice new crop available for the holidays. Start setting up those large, exciting displays of clementines and navel oranges in order to generate some high sales volume along with elevated profit.
California navel oranges are now being shipped loose and in three-pound bags. The color and quality are excellent. The new crop is heavy on the smaller sizes for now. Larger sizes will develop and be more available as the season progresses. Cara Cara oranges are also available out of California with a particularly good volume expected.
California clementines are peaking. Now through December is an exciting time to promote them in two- and three-pound bags along with the five-pound boxes. A new clementine crop is also being shipped out of Morocco. Product out of both areas are of excellent quality.
Other item information
The lettuce market is beginning to show some improved progress as the Arizona winter crop is starting to be harvested. The lettuce has excellent quality but with lighter weights.
Broccoli and cauliflower supplies are still tight as retailers place a heavy demand for upcoming holidays. The Arizona deal is just starting to harvest, which should allow volume to improve.
Asparagus from Peru is steady on supplies. Product from Mexico on the larger sizes remains on the lighter side — markets are up slightly.
Talk to your suppliers on these items. Do not wait until the last minute on key items for ad programs. As always, get orders into your suppliers early. The Christmas and New Year’s holidays will be here fast.
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].