Fresh Produce Sales Increase In 1Q 2013

WASHINGTONFresh produce saw positive dollar and volume sales in the first quarter of 2013, as did organic fruits and vegetables and value-added categories, according to the FreshFacts® on Retail quarterly retail report from the United Fresh Foundation.

The report, produced in partnership with Nielsen 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. The report revealed that a 4.9% increase in average retail price led to a 7% increase in average dollar sales for the produce department and a volume increase of 2% compared to the same quarter last year. Fruit increased in dollar sales by nearly 8% with vegetable dollar growth close behind at 5.7%. Total volume for fruits and vegetables went up 1.4% and 2.1%, respectively.

Findings also showed that nine of the top 10 fruits posted dollar growth that exceeded the first quarter of 2012 and citrus, apples, specialty fruits and melons each experienced double-digit increases that generally correspond with higher retail prices. Also, half of the top 10 vegetable categories increased both dollar and volume sales compared to the same quarter last year, with nine of the categories showing increased dollar sales regardless of modest retail price increases. Value-added fruits increased dollar and volume sales by 10.7% and 2.9%, respectively, while fresh-cut fruit dominated with 81.5% of category sales during this year's first quarter. Likewise, three of the top four value-added vegetable categories increased volume sales by double-digits, supported by steady average retail pricing. Overall, value-added vegetables went up 12.7% in dollar sales and 12.1% in volume sales. Organics also grew in dollar sales with organic fruits and vegetables increasing 24.4% and 14.9%, respectively.

The report also identified that in this quarter, an examination of consumer-driven trends in produce drew attention to the growing demand for globally-inspired items and premium priced products. For insight on fresh fruit trends for this year visit the Image Gallery: Fresh Fruit 2013 Culinary Trends.