Market Minute: Avocado promotions counter limited availability

Reduced desert crops, seasonal transitions and unpredictable weather have created unstable market conditions. Decreased supplies, combined with unprecedented diesel prices, have driven up costs throughout the fresh produce market. Soaring freight rates for trucking are further raising prices for consumers at the store.

Tomatoes, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, celery, pineapples, cantaloupes, peppers, lettuce and some apple varieties are all seeing tighter supplies and higher costs. It may take two to three weeks for inventories to stabilize, but elevated prices could persist as long as trucking fees remain high due to rising fuel surcharges.

If you’re searching for products to promote right now, Idaho potatoes, mushrooms and table grapes are available in good quantities. Avocados are also a top pick, especially since Cinco de Mayo is coming up. Guacamole and chips are among the most popular party snacks for the holiday.

Hass avocados make up 95 percent of all avocado consumption in the United States.

Stock your displays with both loose and bagged avocados and place chips and dips nearby. There are plenty of ways to promote avocados, starting with eye-catching advertising that draws customers to your produce departments.

What do you think? Email me at ronprocon@gmail.com.

This article originally ran on The Produce News.