Perimeter Items Help Attract In-Store Shoppers: United Fresh

The United Fresh Produce Association’s Q3 2017 edition of the “FreshFacts on Retail” report notes the key role that fresh perimeter items play in drawing shoppers to brick-and-mortar stores as retailers prepare for consumers to use online delivery services for packaged goods.

Additionally, the newly released quarterly report delves into how produce department innovation spurs consumer demand for pasta and rice alternatives.

“Health and convenience are both key factors in the rise of new products in the produce department,” observed Jeff Oberman, VP of trade relations for the Washington, D.C.-based trade organization, and United Fresh’s Retail-Foodservice Board liaison. “From kits to veggie noodles, we expect continued growth and expansion of fresh-cut and value-added products, both in private label and branded produce.”

The report also includes seasonal category deep dives on berries, avocados and grapes, with a comparison of Q1 2017 and Q1 2016 results to help companies plan for a successful Q1 2018; a spotlight on the strength of organic produce that identifies buying trends and commodities with room for growth, and a look at value-added fruits and vegetables such as packaged salads.

Produced in partnership with Nielsen Fresh and with direction from the United Fresh Retail-Foodservice Board of Directors, Del Monte Fresh Produce-sponsored “Fresh Facts on Retail” gauges retail price and sales trends for the top 10 fruit and vegetable commodities, along with other value-added produce categories.

The complete report can be downloaded free for all United Fresh members, or for $50 for nonmembers.

United Fresh brings together companies across all segments of the fresh produce supply chain, among them growers, shippers, fresh cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations.