The latest ProduceIQ market report shows celery prices climbing to a new record high, joining a small group of commodities pushing into territory not seen before. At the same time, the report notes that other items are becoming increasingly promotion-friendly as supplies improve and pricing softens — painting a split market picture heading into the heart of summer.
Celery's move comes amid a broader inflationary backdrop where fresh vegetable prices are running roughly 9% above year-ago levels. Record pricing on a high-volume commodity like celery has real implications for foodservice operators and retailers who use it as a staple in prepared foods, soup programs, and snack sets.
Buyers and category managers should watch whether celery's record holds or breaks in the coming weeks, and keep an eye on which commodities the report flags as promotion-ready — those represent the best opportunity to drive volume and offset consumer price fatigue.