While a California frost, gas price hikes and inflation could negatively impact the 2022 cherry season, growers are optimistic that the crops available will be of good quality and should warrant the higher prices they may demand.
Supply of fresh produce grown in South America, Mexico and Canada should be arriving to stores on time and in promotional quantities for the 2022 season.
Experimenting with new varieties and finding new ways to appeal to consumers’ desire for fresh, local and sustainable foods are among the trends greenhouse grower-shippers are keeping on top of in 2020.
As retailers head into the early season berry period, suppliers are projecting good quality and supply of their crops for strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.
According to the 2019 Supermarket Perimeter Consumer Fresh Food Shopping Trends Study, two-thirds of consumers buy organic fruits and vegetables, and 52% are willing to pay more for it.
According to suppliers, the bell and hot pepper growing seasons have been good with favorable weather, and expectations are for steady supplies this year.
For the week ending Aug. 24, Nielsen's total U.S. retail sales data showed that overall citrus fruit dollar sales declined 3.3% in the past year but still represented $4.5 billion in total sales.
