Older shoppers best onion consumers, Fresh Trends research shows

(File image)

Older consumers are by far the best consumers of onions, according to The Packer’s 2022 Fresh Trends research.

Fifty-seven percent of all consumers polled in the Fresh Trends research said they purchased onions in the previous 12 months.

However, Fresh Trends research indicated that 75% of consumers older than 60 purchased onions in the previous 12 months. Older consumers were more likely to purchase onions, according to the data:

By age bracket, Fresh Trends indicated the percentage of consumers who indicated they purchased onions in the previous 12 months:

  • 18 to 29 years old: 34%
  • 30 to 39 years old: 41%
  • 40 to 49 years old: 57%
  • 50 to 59 years old: 68%
  • 60 and older: 75%

 

The income demographic did not have a big effect on onion purchases, according to Fresh Trends research.  

For example, 55% of consumers earning less than $25,000 indicated they purchased onions in the previous 12 months, compared with 57% for those earning from $25,000 to $50,000 and 59% of those earning $50,000 to $100,000 and 54% of those making over $100,000.

By gender, females were the dominant purchaser of onions, with 64% indicating onion purchases in the previous 12 months, compared with 47% for males.

2022 Fresh Trends reported that 63% of families with no kids purchased onions in the previous 12 months, compared with 48% of families with kids who indicated onion purchases in the previous 12 months.

Consumers in the Northeast region were the most-frequent purchasers of onions, according to Fresh Trends, with 62% indicating onion purchases in the previous 12 months, compared with 55% of consumers in the South, 53% in the Midwest and 56% in the West.

Sixty-four percent of Asian consumers indicated onion purchases, compared with 50% for Hispanic consumers, 52% for Black shoppers and 57% for white respondents, according to Fresh Trends.

The USDA reports that per-capita availability of onions totaled 20.44 pounds in 2020, up from 19.38 pounds in 2019 but slightly less than 20.56 pounds in 2018.
 

 

Latest News

How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards
How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards

In this podcast episode, Advanced Agriscience's Collin Juurakko shares interesting discoveries he's made about how frost crystals form and how that lead to a potential solution for tree-fruit growers across the globe.

Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show
Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show

North Kansas City, Mo.-based Cool Creations LLC had two new products to show off at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division
Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division

Following Department of Justice concerns about competition in the packaged salad market, the companies have abandoned the proposed $308 million deal.

Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list
Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list

Fresh Del Monte is among the honorees on the Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2024 list, recognized for a commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation in fresh produce.

Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring
Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring

West Mexico growers faced a tough fall/winter season, but distributors believe things are looking up for spring with increased supplies and more reasonable prices.

What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar
What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar

"Impact Retail Foodservice 2024" will gather industry experts to discuss opportunities and challenges, as well as share insights for driving growth in the year ahead in one of the hottest departments in grocery.