narratives: 97

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rowid	report_date	title	narrative
97	2024-06-28	Weekly Grocery Store Specialty Crops Feature Activity	Happy Independence Day As the 4th of July holiday approaches, it's no surprise that the number of advertisements has increased this week compared to last week. This festive season is an ideal time to indulge in healthy summer favorites with family and friends. Watermelons, blueberries, cherries, and grapes are not only delicious but also refreshing options to enjoy during the warm weather. In, addition to fruits, grilled vegetables can be a delightful addition to your holiday meals. Grilled corn, with its sweet and smoky flavor, pairs wonderfully with other summer vegetables like sweet onions, summer squash, and eggplant. Don't forget the variety of peppers available, which can add a burst of color and flavor to your dishes. Moreover, this time of year presents a fantastic opportunity to support local growers in your community. By purchasing fresh produce from local farmers, you not only enjoy the best seasonal flavors but also contribute to the local economy and promote sustainable farming practices. So, as you prepare for your 4th of July celebrations, consider incorporating these healthy and delicious options into your menu and make the most of the summer bounty. Total ad numbers this week were 389,102, a 31% increase from last week's total of 296,072. The total for the same week last year was 29% lower at 301,149. The total number of ads broken out by commodity groups: fruit 240,232 (62% of all ads), onions and potatoes 18,182 (5%), vegetables 126,044 (32%), herbs 5,317, ornamentals 310, and hemp 4,334. The number of ads for organic produce was 42,898, 11% of total ads. The following are the prices of major advertised items (3,000 plus ads) this week, compared to the same week last year. Significant increases in price for fruit this week included only seedless watermelons (ea.) at 36%. Significant decreases included Honeycrisp apples (per lb.) at 46%, blackberries (5.6-6 oz.) at 32%, avocados at 22%, black seedless grapes at 15%, cantaloupes (ea.) at 14%, red cherries at 14%, blueberries (18 oz.) at 13%, and yellow peaches at 10%. There were no significant changes in price for potatoes and onions this week. Significant increases in price for vegetables this week included long seedless cucumbers at 30% and Iceberg lettuce at 17%. Significant decreases included cilantro at 27%, asparagus at 19%, and grape tomatoes (10 oz.) at 10%.