E-mail this pageMarket Basket
The Market Basket is a monthly report based on a survey of 41 food items commonly purchased by consumers. Four major supermarkets are surveyed in the Plattsburgh area. It is a community service jointly sponsored by TAC and the Office of Insititutional Advancement at SUNY Plattsburgh. The data is compiled monthly by the Office of Insititutional Research at SUNY Plattsburgh.
2008
December Market Prices Drop 3%, Up 5% For Year
Lower gas prices helped contribute to lower prices in month of December. For the month, the forty-one items in the Market Basket came in at $95.60, down from $98.20 in November, but up from last December's cost of $90.67.
Only canned goods posted an increase for the month. Prices fell on meats, dairy, frozen foods, breads, cereals and grains, produce, drinks, and miscellaneous. For the year, prices are up in all categories, except drinks.
Star Kist tuna posted the only increase in the canned goods department.
Meat prices fell on sirloin steak, pork chops, and whole frying chickens, down to $1.10 a pound.
Dairy posted drop in price of Parkay margarine, American cheese slices, and whole and skim milk.
Frozen foods saw a decline in cost of haddock, ice cream, and orange juice concentrate.
In the breads, cereals and grains department, prices dropped on flour and spaghetti.
Produce prices also fell in December on bananas, carrots and Iceberg lettuce, down to $1.71 a head. Last December's cost for lettuce was at $1.86 a head.
Drink prices were down on store brand cola; and miscellaneous prices fell on vegetable cooking oil and Oreo cookies.
Seasonal Reminders: Apples, pears, and seedless red and green grapes are in good supply. Grapefruit and oranges are at their peak, and will be a good supply thru April. Peaches, cherries, plums, nectarines, are on the market but prices are high.
On a personal note, this is my last Market Basket Report. I've enjoyed bringing you these monthly reports since 1996. I consider them to be a valuable service to the community, and Theresa Bennett fromt he Technical Assistance Center at SUNY will continue to do the research and monthly reports.
Judith Bissell
November Market Basket Up 9% For Year
November's Market Basket prices came in at $98.16, up from $98.12 in October, but up 9% from last November's cost of $89.70!
Prices were up on dairy, canned goods, breads, cereals and grains, produce, and drinks in November. Prices dropped on frozen foods, meats, and miscellaneous. For the year, prices are up in all categories, except miscellaneous.
Dairy prices and the biggest jump on American cheese slices and whole and skim milk.
Canned goods saw prices rise on Del Monte fruit and Star Kist chunk tuna.
Breads, cereals and grains posted increases on flour and spaghetti.
In the produce department, only yellow onions were up in price; and drink prices increased on store brand cola.
Frozen foods saw a big drop in price of haddock, and green beans and spinach.
Meat prices fell on chuck steak, pork chops, and Oscar Mayer bacon.
Seasonal Reminders: The citrus season is at its peak with grapefruit, naval oranges, tangerines and clemantines readily available. Apples, pears and grapes are still plentiful and contribute good fiber to the diet. Produce prices for the year are all up.
October Market Basket Prices Up 2% For Month
Prices continue to rise for groceries in the Plattsburgh area. The forty-one items came in at $98.12 in October (the highest month to date). Prices increased 2% from September's cost of $96.14, and are up 10% from last October's cost of $89.48.
For the month of October, prices increased on produce, frozen foods, drinks, canned goods, dairy, and miscellaneous. Prices dropped on meats and breads, cereals and grains. For the year, prices are up in all categories, except drinks.
Produce prices were up on red Delicious apples, Iceberg lettuce ($1.82 a head), and ten pounds of white potatoes.
Frozen food prices had a big increase on haddock, up to $7.49 a pound from $6.66 in September, and $5.99 last October.
Drink prices were up on Budweiser beer, store brand tea bags, and cola. Coffee prices remained constant for the month, but are up from last October.
Canned good prices increased on vegetable soup and Del Monte fruit cocktail.
In the dairy department, Parkay margarine, and American cheese slices posted increases. Whole and skim milk prices were down for the month, and are down for the year.
Prices on meats were down on bottom round roast, sirloin steak, and whole frying chickens.
In the breads, cereals and grains department, prices fell on flour and spaghetti.
Seasonal Reminder: Produce prices for the year are up on all items: red Delicious apples, bananas, carrots, Iceberg lettuce, yellow onions, and white potatoes. Fresh cranberries are now available for the holiday season. All varieties of apples, pears, grapes, oranges and grapefruit are now available. Sweet potatoes and winter squash are in peak supply.
Happy Thanksgiving!
September Market Basket Up 8% For Year
Market Basket prices dropped slightly for the month down to $96.14, from $97.02 in August, but are up 8% for the year, and the third highest month for 2008.
In September, prices fell on produce, meats and miscellaneous, while prices increased on frozen foods, dairy, canned goods, drinks, and breads, cereals and grains. For the year, prices are up in all categories, except drinks and miscellaneous.
In the produce department, prices fell on carrots, and white potatoes. Red Delicious apples and bananas held steady, and Iceberg lettuce and onions increased in price.
Meat prices dropped on chuck steak, Oscar Mayer bacon, and whole frying chickens ($1.15 a pound).
Prices increased on frozen haddock, green beans, spinach, ice cream and orange juice concentrate.
In the dairy aisle, butter, Parkay margarine, American cheese slices, and eggs all posted increases, but whole and skim milk prices were down in September.
Drink prices were up on Budweiser beer, store brand coffee, cola, and tea bags.
In the canned goods department, peas and Star Kist tuna were up in price.
Breads, cereals and grains showed an increase in the cost of sugar, River rice, and spaghetti.
Seasonal Reminders: This is pear season, and the start of the cranberry season. Sweet potatoes and winter squash are in peak supply and good sources of beta carotene (Vitamin A). Brussel sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower are good sources of Vitamin C. The local apple harvest quality of fruit is excellent this fall.
August Market Basket Prices Up 9% for Year
Market basket prices dropped slightly in August compared with July's cost, but are up 9% from last August's cost of $89.23.
For the month, prices fell on meats, drinks, dairy, and frozen foods. Prices increased in August on breads, cereals and grains, canned goods, miscellaneous, and produce. For the year, prices are up in all categories, except drinks.
Meats saw the biggest price drop on ground chuck, bottom round roast, chuch and sirloin steak, and pork chops. Whole frying chickens held steady at $1.22 a pound.
Drink prices fell on Budweiser beer, and store brand coffee and cola.
Dairy prices were down on Parkay margarine, eggs, and whole and skim milk. Dairy prices for the year are up 5%.
Breads, cereals and grains saw the biggest increase on sugar, River rice, white bread and spaghetti. River rice is up to $1.50 a pound, compared to $1.03 last August.
Canned good prices were up on Del Monte fruit cocktail, Green Giant peas, Star Kist tuna, and vegetable soup.
In the miscellaneous category, prices increased on store brand salad oil and Oreo cookies.
Produce saw prices rise in August on red Delicious apples, bananas, and carrots. Prices fell on Iceberg lettuce and white potatoes.
Seasonal Reminders: The local harvest of all apple varieties is well underway. There will be local corn, tomatoes, snap beans, and cucumbers 'till the first frost. September is the top month for grapes and the first good month of the pear season.
July Market Basket Prices Soar!
July's market basket was the highest of the year at $97.08, up from $93.71 in June and up 8% for the year!
Breads, cereals and grains and miscellaneous saw the only price drop in July. Produce, meats, drinks, dairy, frozen foods, and canned goods all posted price increases in July. For the year, prices are up in all categories, except drinks, which were down 1%.
Produce saw the biggest price hikes on red Delicious apples, bananas, Iceberg lettuce ($1.72 a head), yellow onions and 10 lbs. of white potatoes ($6.82).
Meat prices soared on ground chuck, bottom round roast, sirloin steak, pork chops, Oscar Mayer bacon, and whole frying chickens ($1.22 a pound).
Drink prices were up on Budweiser beer, store brand cola, and tea bags (100 count).
In the dairy department, butter, American cheese slices, and whole and skim milk prices rose. Dairy prices are up 6% for the year!
Frozen food prices were up on haddock, green beans, and spinach. Prices held steady on frozen orange juice and ice cream.
Canned good prices rose on Del Monte fruit cocktail, peas, and Star Kist tuna.
Breads, cereals and grains saw prices drop on sugar, flour, and white bread. However, River rice is up to $1.38 a pound, from $1.05 a year ago.
Seasonal Reminders: Blueberries and local corn are available at roadside stands and in the supermarket. Paula Reds and Jersey Macs picking has begun. McIntosh picking starts around the first week in September. Cantaloupe and honeydew melon season continues through August.
Market Basket Up 5% For Year
The cost of the forty-one items in May came in at $91.60, down from $92.87 in April, but up from last May's cost of $87.11.
Prices increased on drinks, frozen foods, produce, and miscellaneous. Prices dropped on meats, canned goods, breads, cereals and grains, and dairy. For the year, prices were up in all categories, except meats, drinks, and miscellaneous, which showed a decline.
Drinks saw the biggest increase in store brand tea bags (100 count).
In the frozen food department, haddock soared to $6.82 a pound.
Produce prices were up on red Delicious apples, and white potatoes (10 lbs).
In the meat department, prices dropped on ground chuck, bottom round roast, sirloin steak, pork chops, Oscar Mayer bacon, and whole frying chickens, down to $1.02 a pound from $1.22 in April.
Canned goods saw prices drop on Del Monte fruit cocktail, tomatoes, and vegetable soup.
Prices fell on sugar, white bread, and spaghetti.
Dairy saw a drop in the price of butter, eggs, and whole and skim milk. However, for the year, prices are up.
Seasonal Reminders: Asparagus and rhubarb are growing in local gardens. Strawberry picking has begun. The citrus season is over, but lemons and limes are still in season. Bing cherries, mangos, and pineapple are in season, but expensive!
June Market Basket Up 2%, Up 7% For Year!
Market Basket prices rose in June to $93.71, up from $91.60 in May, and $87.87 last June.
Increases came on produce, drinks, meats, breads, cereals and grains, and miscellaneous. Dairy, frozen foods and canned goods saw a slight drop in prices for the month. For the year, prices are up in all categories, except canned goods and drinks.
Produce prices were up on carrots, onions, and white potatoes. Iceberg lettuce held steady at $1.51 a head, but up from $1.06 last June.
In the meat department, ground chuck, bottom round roast, chuck and sirloin steak, pork chops and whole frying chickens all posted increases for the month.
Drink prices were up on store brand coffee and cola, and Budweiser beer.
In breads, cereals and grains aisle flour, River rice, and spaghetti all were up in price.
Frozen food prices dropped on haddock, ice cream, and orange juice.
In the dairy department, prices fell on butter, Parkay margarine, American cheese slices, and eggs. Prices were up on whole and skim milk. A gallon of whole milk, at $4.37, is higher than a gallon of gas!
Prices also dropped on Green Giant peas and Star Kist tuna in the canned goods aisle.
Seasonal Reminder: Local strawberries are on the stands and sweet and juicy! Local corn will be ready the end of July or early August due to so much rain in June. The blueberry season goes into August. Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew melons are in season. Plums, apricots, peaches and nectarines will be at full peak in July and August. Note: More than 1,000 people have become ill from salmonella linked to raw tomatoes. Certain raw tomatoes - red round, Roma and plum tomatoes should be avoided. The government's Center for Disease Control is also warning certain people at high risk to avoid raw jalapeno peppers and Serrano peppers. This group includes the elderly, people with weak immune systems, and infants.
April Market Basket Up 4% For Month, 7% For Year
The 41 items in the Market Basket came in at $92.87 for April, up from $88.87 in March, and $87.39 last April.
Miscellaneous prices were down for the month, while produce, meats, breads, cereals and grains, canned goods, frozen foods, dairy and drink prices all increased in price in April. For the year, prices are up in all categories except drinks and miscellaneous.
Produce saw price increases on red Delicious apples, bananas, carrots, Iceberg lettuce, onions, and white potoatoes.
In the meat department, prices were up on bottom round roast, sirloin steak, Oscar Mayer bacon, and whole frying chilckens ($1.29 a lb).
Breads, cereals and grain prices increased on sugar, flour, River rice and bread.
Canned goods posted increases on Del Monte fruit cocktail, tomatoes, Star Kist tuna, adn vegetable soup.
Frozen food prices were up on haddock, green beans, and ice cream.
Dairy prices jumped on American cheese slices, eggs, and whole and skim milk. For the year, dairy prices are up 18%.
Drinks saw the smallest increase for the month in the price of coffee ($3.12 for one pound of store brand).
Seasonal Reminders: Pineapple, mangos, and Vidalia onions are at their peak. Watermelon season has begun, but other melons come later in the summer. Rhubarb is pushing up in local gardens. The Farmers Market is now open for the season.
March Market Basket Down 3%, Up 7% For Year
The data for the month of March compares the three stores with the four stores in February. P&C closed its doors at the end of February, leaving Price Chopper, Hannaford, and Big M to collect data from. From April on, we will be able to compare the three stores each month and for the year.
The cost of the forty-one items in the Market Basket in March came in at $88.87, down from $93.21 in February, and up from $83.31 last March. Frozen foods, and breads, cereals and grains saw the only price increases for the month. Prices fell on produce, canned goods, drinks, meats, miscellaneous and dairy. For the year, prices are up in all categories, except produce and drinks.
Breads, cereals and grains posted the biggest increase for the month on sugar, flour, and Kelloggs corn flakes.
In the frozen foods department, prices rose on haddock and store brand ice cream.
The biggest drop in prices for the month was in the produce department, where prices fell on red Delicious apples, carrots, Iceberg lettuce ($1.59 a head), yellow onions and white potatoes.
Meat prices dropped on bottom round roast, chuck and sirloin steak, Oscar Mayer bacon, and whole frying chickens, down to $1.09 a pound.
Canned goods prices fell on Del Monte fruit cocktail, Green Giant peas, tomatoes, vegetable soups, and Star Kist tuna.
Drink prices were dropped on Budweiser beer, store brand cola, and tea bags.
Seasonal Reminders: Oranges and grapefruit are still at their peak, but tangerines are moving out of season. Fresh pineapple and strawberry supplies will be plentiful thru summer. California long white and new red potatoes are coming into season.
February Market Basket Down 1%, Up 6% For The Year
The cost of the forty-one items in the market basket for February was $91.21, down from $92.25 in January, but up from $85.90 last February. Prices increased on produce, breads, cereals and grains, meats, miscellaneous, and dairy. Prices dropped on drinks, frozen foods, and canned goods. For the year, prices are up in all categories, except drinks. Dairy prices still lead the way with the biggest increase.
Dairy prices were up on butter, American cheese slices, and whole milk. Prices fell on skim milk and large eggs.
Breads, cereals and grain prices rose on sugar, flour, white bread and spaghetti.
In the produce department, prices spiked on red Delicious apples, bananas, onions, and white potatoes. Iceberg lettuce dropped to $1.71 a head, down from $1.84 in January, and $1.91 last year.
Meat prices escalated on ground chuck, chuck steak, and whole frying chickens were up to $1.25 a pound.
In February, drink prices fell on store brand coffee and cola.
Frozen foods saw haddock, ice cream and orange juice prices drop.
In the canned goods department, prices dropped on vegetable soup. Prices held steady on Del Monte fruit cocktail, tomatoes, and Star Kist tuna.
Seasonal Reminders: March is the start of the peak season for artichokes and asparagus from California. Our North Country season is another two or three months away. Pineapple and strawberry supplies are coming in from California, Florida, and Mexico. Grapefruit and oranges will be in good supply through April. Beets and cabbage will also be at their peak in March.
January Market Basket Prices Up 7% For The Year
Prices rose to $92.25 in January, up from $92.00 in December, and $86.08 last January.
Prices were up on frozen foods, canned goods, and breads, cereals and grains. Prices fell on produce, drinks, meats, miscellaneous, and dairy. For the year, prices are up in all eight categories, with dairy prices showing the biggest increase.
Prices had the biggest jump in the breads, cereals, and grains category. Store brand sugar, flour, white bread, spaghetti, and River Rice, all posted increases for the month.
Frozen food prices were up on green beans, spinach, vanilla ice cream, and orange juice in January.
Canned goods saw increases on Del Monte fruit cocktail, Green Giant peas, store brand tomatoes, and Star Kist tuna.
Meats saw the biggest drop in the price of chuck and sirloin steak and center cut pork chops. Oscar Mayer bacon prices held steady, and whole frying chickens were up to $1.19 a pound.
Dairy prices were down on American cheese slices and whole milk. Prices rose on butter, Parkay margarine, eggs, and skim milk.
Produce prices fell on red Delicious apples, bananas, carrots, and white potatoes. Iceberg lettuce was up to $1.84 a head.
Prices were down on coffee, cola, and tea bags in the drinks category.
Seasonal Reminders: The citrus season is at its peak and so are the prices! All varieties of grapes are available, and winter squash, sweet potatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, are plentiful and high in carotene and Vitamin C.
On a sad note, P & C is closing their doors at the end of this month after thirty-six years in the Plattsburgh market.
Previous Market Baskets
Contact Information
For more information about the Technical Assistance Center at SUNY Plattsburgh, please contact:
E-mail: tac@plattsburgh.edu
Phone: (518) 564-2214
194 US Oval
Plattsburgh, NY 12903