The Produce department continues to thrive, driven by strong seasonal demand and the lead-up to Labor Day. As families prepare for end-of-summer gatherings and cookouts, fresh fruits and vegetables see a noticeable uptick in sales.
- Year-to-date performance: Produce dollar sales are up 2.8%, accompanied by a 2.0% rise in volume compared to the same period last year
- Fruit continues to shine: Leading the charge, the fruit category posted a robust 6.5% sales increase
- Vegetables face headwinds: Vegetable demand remains flat year-over-year, signaling ongoing market challenges
Regional performance YTD (28 weeks)1
Balanced growth continues across all regions through 28 weeks.
Top 10 fruits & vegetables YTD1($ Sales)
Bananas
Bananas continue to be a top performer in the produce aisle, consistently ranking among the most purchased fruits due to their affordability, convenience, and year-round availability. Consumer sentiment remains strong, with bananas seen as a staple for healthy snacking and meal prep. Their steady demand and minimal shrink make them a reliable category driver for retailers.
Did you know? The average American eats 90 bananas a year, that’s 27 pounds of pure potassium power. Basically, we’re all one banana away from turning into a smoothie. That’s bananas!
Quick trips & smaller baskets define the new retail norm
Consumer confidence is on the rise and shopping habits are returning to familiar patterns.
However, the nature of these trips is shifting. Consumers are favoring quick, frequent visits with smaller baskets, driven by convenience and immediate needs like essentials, meal solutions, or single-item pickups.
Why smaller baskets reflect bigger shifts
As consumers embrace quick, frequent shopping trips, new data from Mintel’s Summer 2025 Economic Outlook reveals the economic backdrop driving this behavior and why it’s here to stay.
This blend of optimism and caution is reshaping retail habits. Households are cutting back on discretionary spending, with 45% reducing overall expenses and 41% buying cheaper grocery alternatives. Notably, spending on dining out has stalled, with only 42% of consumers reporting they’ve cut back. This signals that while consumers are still eating out, they’re not increasing that behavior, instead opting for meal solutions and essentials during quick retail trips.
Retailers that respond with flexibility, empathy, and transparency will be best positioned to meet consumers in the moment.
Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer and a key sales moment for fresh produce.
With families gathering for cookouts and outdoor celebrations, demand for seasonal fruits and vegetables surges. From grilling staples to picnic-ready snacks, produce plays a starring role in holiday meal planning—making it a prime opportunity for departments to boost traffic, basket size, and customer satisfaction.
Key items Focus on seasonal, grill-friendly, and picnic-ready produce:
- Grill favorites: Corn on the cob, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, eggplant
- Fruit for snacking & desserts: Watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, nectarines
- Salad essentials: Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce mixes, avocados
Display ideas Create visually appealing, themed displays that evoke summer and celebration:
- Red, white & blue fruit display: Use strawberries, blueberries, and white peaches in patriotic arrangements
- Picnic basket bundles: Pre-pack assortments of fruits and veggies in reusable baskets or bags
- Farmers market vibe: Use rustic crates, chalkboard signs, and burlap for a fresh, local feel
- Circana Integrated Fresh: Total US, MULO, Calendar Year 2025 Ending 07/13/2025
- Circana Integrated Fresh & Syndicated POS: Total US, MULO, Calendar Year 2024
- The Food Industry Association: The Power of Produce 2025
- Circana Syndicated Fresh Panel: Total US, MULO, Two weeks to include pre-holiday Labor Day 2024