WASHINGTON, DC - 2020 has undoubtedly been a year of change at every twist and turn, and with those changes come modifications within the walls of retailers. To help them stay on their toes, the United Fresh Produce Association has released its Q3 2020 issue of FreshFacts®, revealing consumer preferences for the year.

The report investigates consumers’ buying preferences regarding bulk and packaged produce, according to the press release, and revealed growth in purchases of packaged produce amongst retained produce buyers.

“It may be easy to assume that the pandemic is the main driver for consumers to increase purchases of packaged produce,” said Miriam Wolk, United Fresh’s Vice President of Member Services. “However, Nielsen’s data indicates that consumers are influenced by a variety of factors, such as size options, fridge-life perception, and convenience. What’s most important is that packaged produce seems to drive increased purchases and basket size.”

Q3 2020 data highlights featured in the release include:

• Consumer perceptions on late summer prime seasonality drove trips and dollars for the fruit category, with a 7.8 percent increase in sales compared to this period last year
• Vegetables continue to surge with a 14.4 percent increase in sales compared to this period last year, with corn, bell peppers, and mushrooms outperforming expectations
• Packaged salad continues its reign as a top-selling organic produce commodity, while herbs and spices, as well as bananas and apples, showed growth in this continually growing category
• Category spotlights explore peppers, cucumbers, and berries, with insights on how enclosed varieties are surging in popularity
• Consumer response to value-added fruit rebounded, likely due to consumers looking for convenience solutions as schools reopened and meal preparation fatigue kicked in

With a new way of life practically forming before our eyes, it’s no surprise shoppers are altering their habits. Keep checking with AndNowUKnow as we report on constantly changing consumer behaviors.

United Fresh Produce Association