The latest FreshFacts on Retail from the United Fresh Produce Association delved in to some hot trends for consumers, including meal kits, value-added and organic produce.
Overall, organic produce sales grew 9.1% in the first quarter of 2018, to a total of $1.8 billion, according to the report, put together by Nielsen.
Fresh fruit posted an 11.2% gain in volume per store per week, and an 11.1% gain in dollars per store per week.
The real winner in growth, however, was berries.
According to the report the volume of berries increased 27.1% per store per week versus the first quarter of 2017, and dollars increased 22.5% with a boost from a -3.6% drop in average retail price.
Other organic produce items showing double digit volume growth in Q1 2017-2018:
Herbs, spices and seasonings 12.9%
Beverages 10.7%
Apples 10.2%
Citrus 10%
Another key call-out in the report is especially hot right now, with Cincinnati-based Kroger Co.'s recent purchase of meal kit provider Home Chef.
According to FreshFacts, only 9% of consumers purchased a meal kit online in-store, but 25% said they were interested in purchasing one.
United Fresh members can download the full report free of charge ($50 for non-members) here.