Over the second quarter of 2009, retailers nationwide have taken a harder look at how they can ease the burden of a tough economy by increasing in-store promotions and lowering prices of fruits and vegetables, according to the latest edition of the United Fresh Research & Education Foundation’s quarterly research report, Fresh Facts on Retail. The report, produced in partnership with the Perishables Group and sponsored by Del Monte Fresh Produce, measures retail price and sales volume trends for the top 10 fruit and vegetable commodities, as well as value-added, organic and other produce categories.

Highlights of this quarter’s report include:

·         The average price point for all produce was 3% lower in Q2 2009 than in Q2 2008, and overall volume increased 2% compared to last year

·         In the fruit category, berries and apples decreased prices the most, down 9.1% and 12.6% respectively, however melon prices rose more than 10% from Q2 2008

·         In vegetables, tomatoes declined in price the most, down 7.8%; in contrast, lettuce increased prices the most, up 4% to $1.72

·         Weekly volume of organic fruits rose 16.6%, while volume of organic vegetables fell almost 11% from Q2 2008

·         Value?added fruit lost dollar sales and volume compared to Q2 2008, despite a 1.3% lower retail price

·         Weekly volume of value-added vegetables fell nearly 3%, while retail price rose 1.5% over Q2 2008

In addition, a newly enhanced feature of the Q2 report is the "Quarterly Spotlight" that reports on a measure not typically included in the publication.  The spotlight section explains the use and interpretation of a more advanced measure.  This edition's "Quarterly Spotlight" examines the effects of price promotions within traditional produce.

"Retailers nationwide have made a concerted effort to increase promotions and lower prices," said United Fresh President Tom Stenzel. "This quarter’s report takes a closer look at the effect those promotions had on overall produce sales."

Fresh Facts on Retail can be downloaded here free of charge to all United Fresh members ($50 for non-members).  For more information about how to obtain the report or suggestions for future category spotlights, please contact Patrick Delaney, United Fresh communications manager, at 202-303-3400 ext. 417.  For questions about specific data contained in the report, please contact Kelli Beckel at the Perishables Group, at 773-929-7013.