American shoppers have increased their purchases of fresh produce by almost 7% over this time last year, according to the latest edition of the United Fresh Research & Education Foundation’s quarterly research report, Fresh Facts on Retail. The report, produced in partnership with the Perishables Group and sponsored by Del Monte Fresh Produce, measures retail price and sales volume trends for the top 10 fruit and vegetable commodities, as well as value-added, organic and other produce categories. 

Highlights of this quarter’s report include:

§         For fruits, an increase in volume sold by 6.7%

§         For vegetables, an increase in volume sold by 7.6%

§         An increase in both volume (101%) and dollar sales (14.9%) for cherries

§         An increase of 8.7% in dollar sales of fresh corn

§         In the value-added fruit category, an increase in volume and dollar sales for jars and cups

§         In the value-added vegetable category, an increase in volume and dollar sales for the meal prep category 

          In addition, the report’s Quarterly Spotlight feature explores the depth and breadth of promotional discounts within the value-added fruit and vegetable category.

          “While prices are down for many fruit and vegetable categories versus this time last year, it is positive to see the broader increase in volume,” said United Fresh President and CEO Tom Stenzel. “Consumers are returning to the fresh category and increasing the amount of fresh, healthy produce on their dinner tables.”

          Fresh Facts on Retail can be downloaded free of charge for all United Fresh members ($50 for non-members).  For more information about how to obtain the report or suggestions for future category spotlights, please contact Julie Jacocks, United Fresh education coordinator, at 202-303-3400 ext. 405.  For questions about specific data contained in the report, please contact Kelli Beckel at the Perishables Group at 773-929-7013.