Produce department sales reached $69.6 billion in 2020, an 11.4 percent increase, according to FMI–The Food Industry Association’s 2021 Power of Produce. The survey of produce grocery shoppers, released at the Southeast Produce Council Southern Exposure event, finds shoppers are purchasing more produce than pre-COVID-19 pandemic, with shoppers buying more fresh fruit (+8.9 percent) and more vegetables (+14.2 percent).
“We see two major trends driving the growth of produce sales – at-home cooking and health and well-being,” said Rick Stein, VP of fresh foods for FMI. “Shoppers tell us they are cooking more at home; they are eating more vegetables at dinner and lunch and more fruit for breakfast and snacks. While these trends began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re likely to see them continue due to younger generations driving these trends.”
Produce, health and well-being
During the COVID-19 pandemic, 44 percent of grocery shoppers say they are putting more effort into healthful eating. In fact, 71 percent of grocery shoppers say nutrition and health is a primary or important reason for purchasing fruits and vegetables.
Shoppers say produce offers them nutrients, digestive health, an overall healthy eating pattern, heart health and immune support. With 85 percent of shoppers welcoming more nutrition information about fresh fruits and vegetables, food retailers have the opportunity to utilize the expertise of registered dietitians to engage with consumers and share credible messaging on nutrition attributes and the health benefits of including fruits and vegetables.
Cooking produce
More than three-out-of-four shoppers (78 percent) have changed their meal preparation with fruits and vegetables, including trying different kinds, using new spices and sauces or testing new preparation methods. Half of shoppers are integrating fruits and vegetables into their meal plans somewhat or at lot more often, and while 41 percent rely on friends and family for meal inspiration, the appetite for recipe websites, YouTube, cookbooks and social media is strong. The opportunity continues for retailers to be a source of inspiration for family meals that include fruits and vegetables.
Opportunity for value-added produce
With shoppers cooking more than previously, the need for convenience is paramount. The share of shoppers who purchase value-added produce – pre-washed or cut – increased from 31 percent in 2019 to 37 percent in 2020. Three-out-of-10 shoppers believe they will purchase more value-added produce in the upcoming year – the highest share in four years.
The rise in at-home cooking has not diminished the need for convenient meal solutions among shoppers.
In addition to these focus areas, the report outlines produce packaging and sustainability trends, online produce purchasing habits and looks at fresh versus frozen food trends. The Produce for Healthy Living video highlights grocery shoppers’ health and well-being trends. The Power of Produce 2021 was conducted by 210 Analytics and made possible by the Southeast Produce Council, Burris Logistics and Yerecic Label.
