Mangoes and kiwis see sales surge as US shoppers embrace tropical fruit

Despite the increase in fruit prices, fresh produce remains a high priority on US consumers' grocery lists. 

Year-over-year food prices have increased. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ latest Consumer Price Index report shows the August consumer price index rose 0.4 percent, the highest since January. This uptick was partly led by a higher-than-expected increase in producer prices in July.

However, expensive food has not deterred customers from the produce aisle. According to data from market research firm Circana, fresh fruit has seen an uptick in sales volumes this year, and that's despite the YoY 2.7 percent increase in price.

Specialty and tropical fruits, which have increased 6.8 percent in prices over the past year—the biggest hike in the fresh fruit category—should be credited for keeping a chunk of fruit lovers coming back.

The fruits' purchases also increased over 7 percent, despite both fruits having seen sales rise more than 30 percent.

Jonna Parker, vice president of fresh food at market research company Circana, says ample supply and familiarity are main drivers behind the uptick.

"There's been lots of evidence of times where you have ample supply in produce, and it doesn't resonate in sales,” Parker explained. “But because those flavors were already commonplace, and there was so much of it available and fresh, the American consumer got excited.”

Parker used papayas as a contrast. The fruit’s sales increased 14 percent — strong growth, she said, “but only around half what its two mentioned fruit companions did.”

“Not all retailers carry fresh papayas, but mangoes and kiwis have become mainstream in the aisles.”

The fruits are also great for snacking, a characteristic that U.S. consumers are gravitating toward and will continue to do so. “What works better when on the go than a piece of fruit?” Parker said.

As for how long the growth in sales will last, Parker said this is a serendipitous surprise for both industries, but "a lot of work has been done by both kiwi and mangoes industries to solidify themselves in American households."

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