Fresh Trends: Apples remain a top pick for fruit shoppers

The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2023 survey, indicated that 58% of consumers purchased fresh apples in the past year, compared with 55% in Fresh Trends 2022.
The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2023 survey, indicated that 58% of consumers purchased fresh apples in the past year, compared with 55% in Fresh Trends 2022.
(Photo: ChaoticDesignStudio, Adobe Stock)

The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2023 survey, indicated that 58% of consumers purchased fresh apples in the past year, compared with 55% in Fresh Trends 2022 and 63% in Fresh Trends 2021.

Consumers with higher income levels were the most frequent consumers of apples, according to Fresh Trends 2023, with 67% of consumers earning over $100,000 per year indicating fresh apple purchases in the previous 12 months, compared with 61% in that bracket in Fresh Trends 2022 and 69% in that bracket in Fresh Trends 2021.

Fifty percent of consumers making under $25,000 annually said they purchased apples in the past year, compared with 44% in that bracket in Fresh Trends 2022 and 47% in that income group in Fresh Trends 2021.

In Fresh Trends 2023, 59% of men said they purchased fresh apples in the previous 12 months, compared with 58% for women. In Fresh Trends 2022, just 48% of men indicated apple purchases, compared with 60% for women. In Fresh Trends 2021, 60% of men and 65% of women said they purchased apples in the past year.

For Fresh Trends 2023, 56% of families with kids at home said they purchased apples in the past year, compared with 60% of families with no kids at home. In Fresh Trends 2022, 53% of families with kids at home and 56% of families with no kids at home said they bought apples. In Fresh Trends 2021, 57% of families with kids at home and 66% of families with no kids at home said they purchased apples. Apple survey graphic

Consumers in the Midwest were the most frequent purchasers of apples, according to Fresh Trends 2023. Sixty-five percent of consumers in the Midwest said they bought apples, compared with 58% of consumers in the West, 57% of consumers in the South and 53% of consumers in the Northeast.

Older consumers were the most frequent consumers of apples, according to Fresh Trends 2023. Sixty-four percent of consumers aged 60 and older said they were apple buyers, compared with 60% of consumers aged 50-59 years old, 58% of consumers aged 40-49 years old, 57% of consumers aged 30-39 years old and 50% of consumers from 18-29 years old.

By ethnicity and race, Fresh Trends 2023 indicated that 61% of white/ Caucasian consumers said they purchased apples, compared with 44% of Black/African American shoppers, 62% of Hispanic buyers and 58% of Asian consumers.

Pricing

The USDA reported the average (all origins, all varieties) fob price for apples in 2022 was $30.34 per carton, up from $29.47 per carton in 2021.

The average retail advertised price for apples in 2022 was $1.51 per pound, up from $1.33 per pound in 2021, according to USDA numbers.

 

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.