The second-quarter 2017 copy of the FreshFacts on Retail report has highlighted the fact that the US produce department is heading for a second consecutive quarter of decreased sales.
The report, produced in conjunction with Nielsen Fresh, outlines the importance of understanding consumer exposure to new products and how they engage with food, which will ultimately help retailers meet changing produce department needs.
Building on the first quarter's report on fresh produce at convenience stores, the Q2 report explores produce’s role in healthy snacking more broadly.
“Consumers are seeking healthy options, and produce departments are seeing competition for dollar share as healthy snack options are featured in all corners of the retail store,” says Jeff Oberman, United Fresh vice-president of trade relations and United Fresh’s Retail-Foodservice Board liaison. “However, there is great potential for produce companies to find success in cross-merchandising and partnerships with other food companies to maintain a presence with the consumer across the store, which will help retailers continue to fresh produce sales success.”
