Here are the top 10 commodities searched for on Produce Market Guide in 2021.
10. Mangoes
Mango sales increased more than 5% in 2019. Mangoes remain most popular with Hispanic and Asian shoppers, but are making inroads with other consumers as well. Educate shoppers about how to prepare mangoes to help increase sales.
9. Manzano Bananas
Manzano bananas are short and chubby with thick yellow skins that turn completely black when ripe. They're sometimes called the apple banana because of their apple-like flavor when immature. When fully ripe, they have a more tropical, pineapple flavor.
8. Avocados
Avocado sales continued to rise in 2020, chalking up a nearly 8% increase. Avocados appeal to a variety of ages and demographics as more and more shoppers discover the great taste and health benefits of the green fruit. Avocados are a versatile option for a variety of dishes from salads to avocado toast, so capitalize on their growing popularity to add sales to your bottom line.
7. Dragon Fruit
Also known as pitahaya, this 3-inch fruit is oblong with bright pink/red skin and large, leaf-like scales on its surface. Its flesh is white, juicy and filled with numerous tiny seeds. Another type is globe-shaped, 2½ inches in diameter, with skin covered in small clusters of spines that can be brushed off to reveal red, ripe fruit. There is also a yellow-skinned variety. The sweet fruit tastes similar to kiwifruit or pears; it's often juiced. The sweet flesh can be white or dark red to purple. White-fleshed fruit is available year-round, magenta-fleshed fruit is available June through October.
6. Bananas
Banana sales rebounded in 2020 from a slight dip in 2019, rising more than 3%. Bananas remain a staple in a majority of households, so piggyback on their popularity to move other fruits off your shelves.
5. Lettuce
Lettuce is a staple item for many shoppers as it is the base for a variety of meals. Cross-promotion is the name of the game when it comes to boosting sales in your department as lettuce is rarely eaten alone. Market lettuce well and it can add profits to your bottom line.
4. Navel Oranges
Navel oranges fit most people's description of an orange with a round shape and dimpled, bright orange skin. Their distinguishing feature is an indentation at one end that bears a resemblance to the human navel, thus their name. Navel oranges have thicker skin and are easy to peel. Their sections peel apart easily, and they have a sweet, juicy flavor.
3. Strawberries
Strawberry sales held steady in 2019, accounting for nearly $3 billion in sales. Strawberries drive sales in the berry category, so make them the centerpiece of berry promotions and displays. Take advantage of strawberries’ broad appeal to get them moving off the shelves.
2. Pummelo
The largest of the citrus fruits, pummelos are fairly round and may have a slight point on one end. Their skin is green to yellow and slightly bumpy, while the flesh ranges from pink to rose. They are sweeter than a grapefruit and are also called pomelo and Chinese grapefruit. Pummelos are available in the winter.
1. Oranges
Orange sales declined slightly in 2019 but still accounted for nearly $1 billion in sales. Make oranges a centerpiece of your citrus offerings as they are universally popular. Focus on the health benefits of oranges to engage health-conscious consumers who can drive sales.