WASHINGTON, DC - United Fresh has released two quarterly retail and foodservice trend reports: The FreshFacts® on Retail Q1 2018 and Fresh Insights for Foodservice Spring 2018, respectively.

FreshFacts® on Retail is produced in partnership with Nielsen Fresh and measures retail price and sales trends for the top 10 fruit and vegetable commodities, as well as other value-added produce categories. The report is sponsored by Del Monte Fresh Produce. Q1 2018 showed positive growth at retail, thanks to consistent growth of fresh vegetable sales, along with increasing availability of organic produce. The report features a seasonal category deep dive on cherries, sweet corn, and tomatoes, as well as a look at opportunities for fresh produce in the emerging meal kit channel.  

The Fresh Insights for Foodservice Spring 2018 report uses data from Datassential’s, a leading market research firm dedicated to the food industry. The company’s extensive menu database, MenuTrends provides a comprehensive look at how chefs and restaurants are featuring fresh produce on their menus, along with broader applications for retail, meal kits, and more. The report looks at “in season” menu options like cantaloupe and broccoli, along with how fruit is being incorporated into desserts. The “on the horizon” section looks to fall appetizer trends in mandarin oranges and carrots. The report closes with a “view from above” look at produce’s role in Quick Service Restaurant menus.

“The entire fresh produce supply chain benefits from understanding retail and foodservice consumer trends,” said Miriam Wolk, Vice President of Member Services at United Fresh, in a recent press release. “Companies across the supply chain can leverage the data in these reports to plan sales and merchandising strategies to meet customers’ needs, develop seasonal menu promotions, and predict how their company will take advantage of trends in the season ahead.”

Both reports are developed with input and guidance from the United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board, a United Fresh market segment board focused on the needs and issues of retail and foodservice operators with the goal of providing supermarkets, restaurants, and emerging channels with tools and services to maximize the value and sales of fresh produce to consumers.

In addition to this research, industry professionals can put their newfound knowledge to the test at a focused education event taking place June 25-27 in Chicago at United Fresh 2018. Session topics will cover everything from consumer marketing to launching new product categories. For additional information on the session topics and a more in depth look at the quarterly reports, click here.

United Fresh Produce Association