WASHINGTON, DC - 2020 was a year marked by constant changes and shifts, but one thing that remained a consumer favorite was fresh produce. United Fresh confirmed this upward trend as the association has published its FreshFacts® on Retail Q4 2020/Year in Review 2020 report, sponsored by Mucci Farms.

“Q4 was largely a continuation of pandemic trends we have seen throughout the year, including consistent growth for produce at retail,” said Miriam Wolk, Vice President of Member Services. “The resilience of fresh produce throughout 2020 was a testament to the commitment of growers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to ensuring America’s healthy eating needs continued to be met.”

The recently unveiled report shows a steady growth of both fruits and vegetables at retail in Q4 of 2020, according to a press release. Additionally, the FreshFacts issue also found that fresh perimeter categories have continued in their role as growth engines across the grocery space.

In addition to sales, the report also features deep dives on categories such as cucumbers, mangos, and mushrooms, offering a year-to-year comparison of the last three years’ Q2 results that the association hopes will help in planning for a successful Q2 for 2021.

Some of the Q4 highlights from the FreshFacts report include:

• Both fruits and vegetables continued to grow, as sales surged across categories driven by consumers making more trips and spending more during those trips
• Value-added produce sales continued to gain momentum after rebounding from declines in the past. While vegetables are growing at a higher pace than fruit, the latter has returned to growth after consecutive quarters of sales decline
• Total fruit generated revenues of $7.3 billion in the latest quarter, representing 7.7 percent growth versus a year ago
• Vegetable dollar sales grew 14.1 percent in the latest quarter, reaching $8.8 billion, backed by strong volume growth of 9.2 percent

To showcase the other results of the issue, United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board and Nielsen Fresh will host a webinar that will highlight the statistics included in the report. The webinar will feature analysis from Mike Galaburda, the Client Director for Nielsen, and will offer an opportunity for participants to engage in not only a questions segment, but an audience discussion with Ajit Saxena from Mucci Farms.

The webinar will be held Thursday, February 25, at 2:00 p.m. EST, and will be moderated by Jeff Cady, Director of Produce and Floral at Tops Friendly Markets. To register for the webinar, click here.

The FreshFacts on Retail report can be downloaded for free by all United Fresh members, and $50 for non-members, here.

As consumer habits continue to adjust, what role will fresh produce play? Stick with AndNowUKnow as we bring you the latest.

United Fresh Produce Association