Rising Prices and Impacted Shoppers
Overall concern on inflation continues to grow
- 45% are extremely concerned with inflation vs. only 35% in February 2022
- Consumers are still noticing an increase in prices across categories such as meat/seafood (88%), produce (80%), and dairy (77%).
- 60% have been looking for sales, promotions and coupons more often.
- 42% have been purchasing fewer items on their grocery trips and have switched to a lower cost brand on items they normally would purchase. Total Units/Trips have decrease 9% in March 2022 vs. January 2022.
- As consumers continue to watch they’re spending, they’re likely to cut back in categories such as adult beverages (56%), snacks (55%) and beauty (49%)
Merchandising Tip
It is time to start planning Easter promotions! Potatoes are a staple dish to many Easter celebrations, so set your ads and lock in your pricing and volumes. This helps our team lock down the pack time for your orders.
Use russet and sweet potatoes as traffic drivers for your potato category. Five- or 10-pound russet promotions will give you the best volume—make sure to have ample merchandising space. Sweet potatoes are also a great volume driver.
Onion Market Update
Growers in the Pacific Northwest are nearing the end of the storage crop season. Planting is now underway in Idaho and the Columbia Basin. Quality is holding on yellows, and demand has been very steady.
Growers in California are getting ready to start up next month and expect a solid market to start.
Pricing and demand will remain strong on all varieties and sizes through the end of March.
An eye-catching addition to your meal, red potatoes add appealing textures and flavor to your side dishes, salads and stews. Red potatoes stay firm throughout the cooking process due to their waxy texture, making them a perfect addition to your everyday meal.
