U.S. sales figures for fresh produce remained stable in the third quarter, keeping on track with 2011, the United Fresh Foundation said in its FreshFacts® on Retail market report. The quarter was marked by a decrease in average retail prices and a boost in sales.

The foundation highlighted the consumer importance of convenience, organic foods and value-added produce as sales drivers throughout the last few years.

Accordingly, value-added fruits increased dollar sales by 8.8% and volume sales by 1.3%. Three-quarters of the value-added dollar share came from fresh-cut fruit.

Value-added vegetables did even better with a 10.2% increase in dollar sales and a 10.6% volume increase.

For organic produce, vegetables increased dollar sales by 12.1% and fruit increased dollar sales by 23%.

Overall, vegetables declined in dollar and volume sales. The decrease was contrasted by growth in total produce sales, especially for "other produce," such as grains, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, dressings and beverages.

Cucumbers, packaged salads and mushrooms were the best performing vegetables.

Fruit sales also offset the decline in vegetables. Avocados, specialty fruits and grapes did the best, with nine of the top 10 fruits experiencing volume increases.

United Fresh Produce Association is a trade group that works with businesses throughout the global, fresh produce supply chain. The association is based in Washington, D.C.

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