An influx of red plums from Chile brought down prices for the imported fruit in March, though the market is now improving for that commodity. Prices for black plums have remained fairly steady, and they're expected to remain so as Chilean stonefruit imports wind down.
“Chile flooded the market with red plums the second week of March, and retailers didn't have a lot of promotions set up to move plums,” said Steve Pearson with Bengard Marketing. “They didn't start promoting them until right now.” As a result, prices came down rather quickly. Most ads were geared toward grapes, nectarines and peaches in the run up to Easter, though more promotions and more time during which plums could move through the system have brought prices back up.
“Prices per carton for black plums reached the upper teens and low twenties, though they mostly stabilized in the teens,” added Pearson. “Plums have been fairly stable. There were issues with some lots turning a little and quality issues toward the end, but the market has been consistent, overall.”
