Jun 18, 2012

Report: Produce prices fluctuate in first quarter 2012

Fruit prices have managed to hold steady while the majority of vegetable products decreased in average retail price compared to the first quarter of 2011, according to the latest FreshFacts on Retail quarterly report from the United Fresh Foundation.

Four of the top 10 fruits — berries, apples, avocados and pears — and three of the top 10 vegetables — packaged salad, potatoes and mushrooms — posted dollar sales for first quarter 2012 that exceeded first quarter 2011.

However, in first quarter 2012, seven of the top 10 vegetable categories decreased in weekly sales as compared to 2011. Declining retail prices contributed to the decrease in dollar sales, but had a more positive impact on volume sales, according to the report.

Tomatoes had the largest decrease in weekly dollar sales, down 13.5 percent compared to 2011 and driven by a 14.3 percent decline in average retail price.

On the fruit side, average retail prices were higher for six of the top 10 fruit categories. Melons had the most significant increase at 10.3 percent — twice that of stone fruits, which had the second highest price increase. Melons’ average retail price increase contributed to double-digit volume losses, with numbers also down for bananas, citrus, specialty fruits, stone fruits and apples.

Value-added fruits continued upward growth in dollar sales, up 4.7 percent from the same time period a year ago, while value-added vegetables had larger gains in weekly dollar and volume sales than value-added fruits.

The FreshFacts on Retail quarterly retail research report is produced in partnership with the Nielsen Perishables Group and sponsored by Del Monte Fresh Produce.