Are you looking to learn important information and insights about the fruit and vegetable industry of the Hispanic consumer? Keep reading because this gets really interesting, especially if you commercialize them.
Fruits, vegetables, and herbs are no exception to the demand of the Hispanics consumer in grocery stores.
Given the high demand by Hispanics for these perishable foods, the production and import volumes have increased in the United States. Supermarkets are starting to offer traditional Hispanic fruits and vegetables to target Latino shoppers.
A Look at the Hispanic Fruit and Vegetable Industry
The most consumed fruits and vegetables last year by Hispanics in the United States were a combination of traditional American products like apples, carrots, mango, and papaya.
Exotic flavors have been more predominant in American homes, mainly accepted/consumed by Millennials who have grown up with Hispanic Millennials, who in turn have been influenced by their parents and or grandparents when they visited their countries of origin.
In the fruit department, these products include apples, grapes, avocados, pineapples, melon, strawberry, green lemon (limes), papayas, blackberries, and mangos.
In the vegetable department, these products include onions, lettuces, cucumbers, tomatoes, chiles, squash, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, radishes
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This increase in consumption has an impact on the volume produced and imported into the United States.
Fruit and Vegetable Industry: Product Analysis
We analyze production volume, imports, and pricing of certain fruits and vegetables to better understand the impact of Hispanics in the fruit and vegetable industry.
Radish Production
A perfect example of the Hispanic influence on the dining table and in restaurants is radish, one of the most consumed vegetables by Hispanics in the U.S.
It’s produced in different states like Arizona, California, Florida, and Texas. It is also exported from the U.S. to meet the annual consumption of Canada, Guatemala, and Mexico. During 2012,
The production volume of these areas was 78,956,389 pounds, while in 2018 it reached 135,278,276 pounds. A 71% increase in production in the last six years.
This vegetable was only eaten in American homes in salads. It is now used as an accompaniment meal for Hispanic dishes such as tacos, pozole, mole, ceviches and as an ingredient of different sauces.
Papaya Price and Import Volumes
A similar story happened with papayas. During 2018, papayas were sold nationwide during the 52 weeks of the year, while in 2014 it reached stores until September 18.
Consumer demand in 2018 has increased papaya imports annually in particular from Mexico, a country that makes up 79% of the papaya supply in the U.S.
Last year, 323,778,379 pounds were imported from Mexico alone, while in 2012 the figure was 233,607,264. An increase in Mexican production of 38.5% due to the high demand in the U.S.
Avocado Imports and Production Volume
As part of the fruit and vegetable industryThe avocado gives us another interesting statistic to analyze. The production in California in 2012 was 439,714,276 pounds, while in 2018 the number decreased to 361,599,393 in 2018, that is, a 17.7% less volume produced in this state.
The difference and higher demand are being replaced by countries such as Mexico and Peru, which increased their imports to the United States by 107% and 260% respectively from 2012 to 2018.
The increase in avocado consumption is not only tied to Hispanics families and its guacamole use. But, Anglo-Saxon, Asian and African-American families throughout the country are responsible for such a demand.
The 60-count avocado size in 2014 had a maximum price of $ 39.25 per box in McAllen, TX (border with Mexico). Today, prices have reached $ 60.25, which represents a 53.5% increase.
Carrot Price
A similar case happens with carrots in its “Baby Peeled” variety. This carrot is commonly used in Hispanic sauces and soups.
Each 1lb bag in a 20-count box, had a maximum price of $ 18 in 2013, while in 2018 the minimum price already reached $ 18. In 5 years the maximum price became the minimum.
These demographic changes in both Hispanics and other ethnic groups, mainly Asian, will continue to transform the U.S. market.
We’re curious: Do you know any other important fruit and vegetable industry insights we ought to know. Let us know in the comments below!
Article courtesy of www.agtechtools.com