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Executive Briefs

Executive Brief is a regular department in our sister publication, Produce Merchandising. Featuring data provided by the Perishables Group and ACNielsen, these briefs provide in-depth analysis of a specific commodity's contribution to the produce department by examining trends in pricing, sales and consumption.

June 2009 – Cherries

Mother nature had a negative impact on cherry crops in 2008. Significant frost and cooler spring weather in the Northwest and West led to a smaller than expected crop. The peak season for cherries runs from mid-May to mid-August, while cherries imported from Chile and Australia reach the store shelves in December and January.

May 2009 – Stone Fruits
As the warm weather of the summer months approaches, so does the peak season of stone fruits. With their delicious and nutritious qualities, stone fruits are among consumers' favorite summer treats and are great traffic generators for the department.

April 2009 – Berries
As consumers look for tasty and nutritious foods to include in their diets, they often turn to berries, since berries are known to be high in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.

March 2009 – Hispanic Consumers
Hispanics continue to represent an enormous opportunity for suppliers and retailers alike. This opportunity is especially pronounced in perishable categories because quality and fresh ingredients for homemade meals are the mainstay in many Hispanic households.

February 2009 – Tomato and Pepper Advisory Aftermath
While the 2008 FDA Salmonella Saintpaul advisory had a strong and immediate effect on the tomato and pepper categories, both vegetables are recovering.

January 2009 – Citrus
Citrus is the fifth largest category in the produce department, representing 5.5% of the total produce sales for the latest 52-week period ending Aug. 30, 2008.

December 2008 – Produce Department Annual Review
National focus on incorporating healthier foods into diets to combat the obesity epidemic continues to fuel the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.

November 2008 – Avocados
Average per week per store dollar sales for avocados were $682, up more than $50 per week from the same period a year ago. The increase coincides with increasing consumer demand for exotic flavors and ingredients.