Strawberries, grapes, lettuce, celery and some other produce items are experiencing limited supplies and higher costs. Recent heavy West Coast rainstorms have affected much of harvesting, which has created some lighter supplies. This also caused some product conditions and lower quality. This can challenge produce directors with some short- or long-range ad development.

But wait — not all has gone amiss. There are still items to merchandise and promote on those produce department displays. Check with your suppliers for those items in order to keep the produce moving through your company retail system.

Here are some items to consider promoting:

• Asparagus – Mexico and Peru volume is increasing.
• Tomatoes – Florida is starting to step up production. Mexico is steadily shipping supplies through Texas.
• Bell peppers – Volume is starting to rise out of Florida and Georgia.
• Carrots – California is still harvesting with steady supplies. Quality is outstanding.
• Onions – Supplies from the Northwest and other regions are plentiful and quality excellent.
• Potatoes – Idaho has had an excellent quality harvest with good sizing. Very promotable. Take advantage of 10-pound bags for that big sales ring.
• Apples and Pears – Plenty of supplies and variety of both items. Size and quality are excellent. Try promoting a tricolor pear ad to motivate incremental customer purchases.

Meet with your produce suppliers for more item information and continue with those aggressive ad promotions in order to boost your produce sales and gross profit.

Ron Pelger is a produce industry adviser and industry writer. He can be contacted at 775/843-2394 or by e-mail at ronprocon@gmail.com.