Fresh produce continues its steady growth at retail, with increased sales for fruits and vegetables during the fourth quarter of 2020. That’s according to a new report from United Fresh, detailing the fourth quarter of last year and the 2020 year-end report.
Among the fourth quarter highlights, both fruits and vegetables continued to grow as sales surged across categories driven by consumers making more shopping trips and spending more during those trips. Total fruit sales generated $7.3 billion in the last quarter of 2020, representing 7.7% growth over the previous year. Vegetable sales grew 14% during the quarter, reaching $8.8 billion.
Some of the key numbers from the Year-End report show produce departments generating $7.1 billion in 2020, accounting for 33% of total fresh sales, second only to the meat department.
Total fruit sales in the U.S. reached $33.7 billion and were 14.4% higher than the previous year. Apples, grapes and bananas ranked as the top three categories in sales.
Vegetable sales reached a new high of $35.8 billion and were 14% higher than in 2019. Pre-packed salads, tomatoes and potatoes were the top three categories in sales.
(From the National Association of Farm Broadcasters)