New product innovation and introductions helped the fruit and vegetable industry weather the challenges of fluctuating supply and prices in the opening three months of the year.
That is the verdict of the United Fresh Produce Association’s Q1 2017 edition of the FreshFacts on Retail report, produced in partnership with Nielsen Fresh with input and direction from the United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board.
This quarter’s report examines retail trends in produce for the past quarter, including seasonal category deep dives on melons, berries and stonefruit and a section with insights on produce purchases at convenience stores.
The report notes that foodservice produce trends continue to influence increased retail product availability and sales. A spotlight on organic produce purchasing trends highlights that organics contribute to just shy of 10 per cent of all produce sales, with all of the top ten organic commodities seeing increased sales in Q1.
“Consumers are seeking healthy options, but in today’s ‘on the go’ lifestyle, they also prize convenience,” says Jeff Oberman, United Fresh vice-president of trade relations and United Fresh’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.”
