Despite COVID-19 concerns, retail produce and fruit sales continue to sharply rise

Data amalgamated through April 5 show that sales of fresh fruit and produce continue to rise, even as the food-service-industry profits continue to tank, according to a report in Blue Book Services. Produce of all types - including fresh (up 14.2%), frozen (up 47.4%) and shelf-stable (up 48.1%) varieties - is selling at a rate higher than 2019 April sales. Sales of fresh fruit, Blue Book says, are up 7.4%, especially berries, apples and bananas. 

The article states that Joe Watson, VP of membership and engagement at the Produce Marketing Association says, “Sales for the first week in April were likely influenced by the earlier Easter and a higher everyday demand that is driving a new baseline that sits well above the old normal.”