Santa Paula, CA-
By ANUK Staff
1.28.13
Avocados, berries, and value-added vegetables. What do they have in common? These foods are three of the five fresh foods staged for success in 2013, according to the Nielsen Perishables Group.
The organization first looked at foods that had substantial growth in 2012, reviewed performance in a long term context to ensure growth wasn’t just a return to normalcy after the recession, and finally analyzed distribution to make sure growth wasn’t caused by mere presence in stores. The results are as follows.
Avocados
Avocado sales continue to boast impressive growth. In 2012, avocado volume sales increased a substantial 34%. In addition to the category now being available year-round and increased presence in stores throughout the nation, industry organizations such as Avocados from Mexico are investing in consumer marketing and advertising initiatives to fuel the widespread adoption of this nutrient-rich fruit. Additionally, the average retail price of avocados declined 19% in 2012, further enticing more purchases. With a large Mexican crop this year, factors are in place for avocados’ momentum to continue.
Berries
The highest selling category in produce, despite a limited number of varieties, berries continue their upward climb. Berry category volume sales have grown steadily since 2009 and posted an 11% volume increase in 2012. Strawberries account for the greatest share of the berry category, and their growth was fueled by larger package sizes. The 32-ounce package now accounts for nearly 20% of strawberry sales, and volume sales for this package size increased 18% in 2012.
Value-Added Vegetables
While not as widely adopted as value-added fruit, value-added vegetables (including pre-cut, pre-washed, trays, jars/cups, etc.) have momentum. The category posted steady growth through the recession, and then jumped 10% in 2011. The increases continued in 2012 as retailers added more items to their shelves and volume rose another 15%. Within value-added vegetables, side dishes drove growth with a 16% volume increase.
Nielsen Perishables Group
