Consumers’ Demand for Premium Produce Offerings Spur Increase in Sales

Supermarket produce dollar sales rose nearly six percent since this time last year, driven by higher average retail prices.  The increase in dollar sales was fueled by higher average retail prices this period, according to the latest edition of FreshFacts on Retail, the quarterly retail research report of the United Fresh Foundation. While overall volume experienced a slight decline due to higher prices, the decrease was only 3 percent, continuing the trend established in previous quarters, which saw consumers willing to pay a premium for their fresh produce preferences. The FreshFacts on Retail report produced in partnership with the Perishables Group and sponsored by Del Monte Fresh Produce, measures retail price and sales 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:

Each FreshFacts report also features a Quarterly Spotlight on one industry segment in particular. This quarter, the report looks at the primary factors driving consumer purchasing in the fresh produce department. This spotlight focuses on the consumer's desire for convenience and unique flavors, as well as consumer willingness to trade up to value-added and gourmet varieties when prices rise for basic staple commodities.