The fresh food department is resisting the price increases (due to global supply challenges) currently being seen on the US retail market, according to a new report by The Perishables Group.
The analyst said that data suggests retailers and suppliers have absorbed any cost increases to date, keeping prices low for consumers.
However, if the trend toward higher costs continues, the group said it predicts a shift in fresh department pricing can be expected.
During the 52 weeks ended 25 September, average retail prices declined or held steady across four of the five fresh departments, including produce, deli, meat and seafood, and excluding bakery, according to the Perishables Group.
Promotions played a primary role in keeping prices low, the group indicated, with average promotional prices declining more than non-promotional prices in three of the five fresh departments.
In the produce department, the analyst said that price declines were driven by staple categories such as potatoes and bananas (whose prices fell by 12.7 per cent and 6.7 per cent respectively).
Meanwhile, fruits with traditionally higher prices (including table grapes and cherries) suffered double-digit price increases.
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