Fruit imports continue to surge

Led by explosive growth in berry and avocado imports, the value of U.S. imports of fruit soared 17% for the 12-month period ending June 30, USDA trade numbers show.

Avocados
Avocados
(File image)

Led by explosive growth in berry and avocado imports, the value of U.S. imports of fruit soared 17% for the 12-month period ending June 30, USDA trade numbers show.

Total fresh and frozen fruit imports from July 2021 through June 2022 were valued at $19.14 billion, up 17% from year-ago numbers and 28% up from two years ago.

On the other hand, the value of U.S. fresh vegetable imports rose by 5% for the 12-month period ending June 30.

Here are USDA numbers for import values of key fresh commodities for July 2021 through June 2022, with percentage change in value compared with a year ago:

  • All fresh/frozen fruit: $19.13 billion, up 17%
  • Fresh vegetables: $10.92 billion, up 5%
  • Berries (excluding strawberries): $4.08 billion, up 15%
  • Avocados: $3.5 billion, up 41%
  • Tomatoes: $2.75 billion, down 1%
  • Bananas/plantains (fresh/frozen): $2.46 billion, up 1%
  • Grapes: $2.13 billion, up 17%
  • Peppers: $1.89 billion, up 1%
  • Citrus: $1.87 billion, up 28%
  • Strawberries: $1.41 billion, up 2%
  • Cucumbers: $1.04 billion, up 8%
  • Pineapples: $823 million, up 12%
  • Mangoes: $755 million, up 8%
  • Melons: $663 million, down 3%
  • Asparagus: $663 million, down 3%


The Packer logo (567x120)
Related Stories
A new collaboration between Hortifrut, Naturipe Farms and Mountain Blue Orchards combines proprietary genetics to transform the global berry supply chain.
Available in mid-August, the launch brings premium conventional blueberries to market while strengthening year-round availability for the jumbo category.
The new consumer-facing answer engine addresses fruit selection and prep safety to reduce food waste and support category growth.
Read Next
As summer market volatility forces growers to adjust harvest schedules and field acreage, industry leaders call on retailers to help share food safety facts and restore stability ahead of winter planting.
Get Daily News
GET MARKET ALERTS
Get News & Markets App