Foodservice, Organics Spur Q1 Produce Sales: Report

Product innovation and introductions enabled the produce industry to overcome the challenges of fluctuating supply and prices, according to the United Fresh Produce Association’s Q1 2017 edition of the “FreshFacts on Retail” report.

According to the quarterly report, foodservice produce trends continued to drive increased retail product availability and sales. An examination of organic produce-purchasing trends found that organics contributed to a little less than 10 percent of all produce sales, with all of the top 10 organic commodities experiencing higher Q1 sales.

“Consumers are seeking healthy options, but in today’s on-the-go lifestyle, they also prize convenience,” noted Jeff Oberman, VP of trade relations at Washington, D.C.-based United Fresh and the organization’s Retail-Foodservice Board liaison. “There is great potential for produce companies to find success in the convenience sector, and United Fresh will continue to work with our members and convenience and alternative-channel retailers to help drive success for fresh produce in these stores.”

Sponsored by Del Monte Fresh Produce, “FreshFacts on Retail” is produced in partnership with Nielsen Fresh, and with input and direction from the United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board. The report gauges retail price and sales trends for the top 10 fruit and vegetable commodities, in addition to other value-added produce categories.

The complete “FreshFacts on Retail” report can be downloaded free of charge by all United Fresh members, and for $50 by non-members.