Health, Convenience Drive Fresh Innovation

Fresh offerings in the grocery store perimeter play a key role in attracting shopper foot traffic, according to the United Fresh Produce Association’s Q3 2017 edition of the FreshFacts on Retail report.

This quarter’s report explores how innovation in the produce department is driving consumer demand for alternatives to pasta and rice. “Health and convenience are both key factors in the rise of new products in the produce department,” said Jeff Oberman, United Fresh VP of trade relations and United Fresh’s Retail-Foodservice Board liaison. “From kits to veggie noodles, we expect continued growth and expansion of fresh-cut and value-added products, both in private label and branded produce.”

In addition, the Q3 2017 report features seasonal category deep dives on berries, avocados and grapes, comparing first-quarter 2017 and first-quarter 2016 to help retailers plan for a successful first quarter in 2018. A spotlight on the strength of organic produce showcases purchasing trends and commodities that still have room for expansion in this sector. The report also looks at value-added fruits and vegetables, including a continued feature on the packaged salad category.

The FreshFacts on Retail report, produced in partnership with Nielsen Fresh and direction from the United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board of Directors, measures retail price and sales trends for the top 10 fruit and vegetable commodities as well as other value-added produce categories. The report is sponsored by Del Monte Fresh Produce.

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