Average prices for fresh produce in the United States have continued to rise this year, with average prices per pound for both fruits and vegetables up from a year ago.
The average price per pound of fruit in the United States for the 52-week period ending in January was up 7.2 percent over the previous 52-week period, according to data from FreshLook Marketing. Total fruit dollars were up 7.2 percent for the same period, while sales, as measured in pounds, were up four percent. Within the category, tangerine sales showed good progress, with gains of 32 percent over the previous year, as did avocado sales, which were up 14.6 percent.
Average price per pound of vegetables also increased over the previous year, with prices up 5.4 percent from the previous 52-week period. Dollars from sales increased 8.7 percent, and sales, as measured by pounds, increased by three percent. Within the category, lettuce sales showed promising gains, with dollar sales increasing 10.3 percent over the previous year, and spinach dollar sales increased by 13.5 percent.
