Market Minute: New crops are timely for salad promotions
Market Minute: New crops are timely for salad promotions
Salads evolved over time and are believed to have begun in Egypt, Rome and Greece. People mixed greens and vegetables together, then added some flavored dressings of oil, vinegar and salt. Salads started to spread to other parts of the world and were developed into many other types of recipes. Today, there are mixed varieties of packaged salads displayed in modern produce departments.
This is a good time to put together a nice attractive salad advertising promotion.
Volume is starting to increase on the new lettuce crop out of California, and the quality is excellent as usual. The demand is moderate, and the market is about steady.
Iceberg, leaf and Romaine lettuce production have improved, which is starting to lower the markets.
Florida tomatoes are starting to step up volume. Demand is fairly good, and the market about steady. Production out of Mexico is increasing again.
Cucumbers are in fairly good demand, and the market is about steady. Good volume is reported in Florida with Georgia beginning its season. Mexican volume is steady.
Green Bell peppers are in good demand on a steady market in the East. The West is lighter for another couple weeks prior to the new crop. Mexico has a moderate supply and demand.
Merchandising: This is a good opportunity to set up an eye-catching presentation of all four items together on a produce end cap or free-standing display. Only tie in the wrapped Iceberg lettuce on the display, leaving leaf and Romaine on the refrigerated wall case due to sensitivity.
Check with your suppliers for required amounts and market costs.
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].
