The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2026 Report
The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2026 survey asked more than 1,000 U.S. consumers (49% men and 51% women) across five generations and income levels about their fresh produce buying habits and preferences. The goal was to discover key shopper differences and trends to identify the industry’s core value propositions and opportunities for growth. By tracking the shifts in this annual survey, industry stakeholders can make informed decisions regarding production, marketing and retail strategies to better meet evolving demands.
Both groups see sustainable produce packaging as important to the overall sustainability of their lives and businesses respectively.
From the surprising new power shopper to engaging Gen Z and millennials to redefining value in the produce department, The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2026 is packed with data and insights to help drive fruit and vegetable sales — starting with these seven opportunities.
While a JEC report reveals grocery costs spiked by $310 annually, fresh produce remained a rare anchor of stability, as modest increases for items like lettuce and oranges were countered by an actual price drop for tomatoes, potatoes and strawberries.
The Packer’s annual consumer survey takes a deep dive into commodities, exploring shopper habits, preferences and more to offer actionable insights that grow businesses.
Pressured by disease and global issues on the one side, and changing consumer interests on the other, the future of banana marketing must become more engaging.
Consumers increasingly want fresh pineapple, according to USDA data, and Fresh Trends respondents report comparatively strong familiarity with them.
The table grape industry is facing some challenges, but innovations are out there to meet shifting consumer demand.
The Food System Outlook 2025 report shows millennials and Gen Z are reshaping the food industry, with 90% prioritizing healthy, fresh and clean-label foods over other expenses, even during economic hardship.
The Aneberries international conference and expo in Guadalajara, Mexico, kicked off July 23 with a look at berry consumer shopping trends from The Packer’s 2025 Fresh Trends report.
Despite their budgetary concerns, Gen Z and millennial shoppers more frequently reported buying organic produce than older generations, according to The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2025.
As the nation celebrates blueberries this July, growers and marketers alike are embracing data-driven innovation and consumer trends to keep the beloved berry front and center.
The Packer’s annual survey examining shopper purchasing behavior also shows that consumers are feeling the effects of inflation and higher grocery prices, which for some may present a barrier to purchase.
Consumers are increasingly focusing on sustainable packaging in fresh produce, but there are key generational differences when it comes to what matters most.
Retailers should have ample opportunities this summer to capitalize on consumer demand for strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.
Fresh Trends 2025 data shows that only one in four consumers knows how to spot a ripe plum, but it actually just comes down to taste.
Here’s what retail data and The Packer’s annual consumer survey reveal about shoppers’ interest in convenience options.
Fresh Trends 2025 data shows that only a third of consumers know how to pick a ripe cantaloupe, but variety shifts in the industry means there are new ripeness rules.
The Packer’s annual survey examines strong shopper sentiment for spending on local and specialty produce items — and whether their actions reflect that desire.
Fresh Trends 2025 data shows papayas are the least well-known fruit among consumers, but those with a Hawaiian connection are more confident.
Fresh Trends 2025 data shows that few shoppers are confident about picking ripe mangoes in-store or at home, but ongoing efforts aim to educate consumers.
Gen Z and millennials not only more frequently reported buying organic produce than older generations, they are also more willing to pay a a higher price for it.
The Packer’s annual consumer survey takes a deep dive into commodities, exploring shopper habits, preferences and more to offer actionable insights that grow businesses.
For the first time, results of The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2025 survey — fielded to more than 1,050 consumers from across the U.S. — will be revealed during an exclusive video presentation on May 30 at West Coast Produce Expo.
In The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2024 consumer survey, over half of respondents said they made a “conscious effort” to buy locally or regionally grown produce.
Older age groups tend to be more frequent buyers of carrots, with 70.7% of those aged 60 and older and 66.7% of those aged 50-59 reporting purchases, compared with 46.9% of those aged 18-29.
Organic spinach has proven to be an essential ingredient in a successful modern produce department. Here’s what The Packer’s Organic Fresh Trends 2024 survey learned from produce shoppers’ responses.
The Packer’s Organic Fresh Trends 2024 shows that the percentage of consumers who said they purchased organic tomatoes exclusively continues to rise.