US cherry and grape promotional prices rise sharply

Promotional prices for several summer fruits increased year on year at major US grocery stores, according to the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service.

Advertised red cherry prices were 38% higher during the period ending between July 25 and August 6. Red seedless grapes rose 17%, while black seedless grapes increased 10%.

Strawberry and organic peach promotions were both 15% more expensive than a year earlier. Organic nectarines rose 14%, while Hass avocados and pint packages of blueberries increased 13%.

Vegetables showed smaller changes. Promotional prices rose 20% for sweet corn and 10% for cucumbers. Five-pound bags of Russet potatoes were the main product to become cheaper, with prices down 27%.

USDA tracked 301,179 produce advertisements during the period, 3% more than a year earlier. Fruit accounted for 61% of all promotions, while organic products represented 14%.

source: ams.usda.gov