Among berries, raspberries and blueberries lead the way for the highest growth in per capita consumption over the last decade, with quantities more than doubling. Strawberries are also doing well, with an increase of almost 50%.
The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) reports that the increase in per capita retail consumption of berries has been very strong compared to that of many other fresh fruits.
According to the USDA, per capita retail consumption of blueberries has increased 97% over the past 10 years, from 1.2 lbs (544g) in 2011 to 2.3 lbs (1.04kg) in 2022.
Raspberries showed an even more remarkable percentage growth, increasing 192% from 0.3lb (136g) in 2011 to 0.8lb (362g) in 2021.
Strawberry consumption also continues to grow, albeit at a slower percentage rate than that of other berries. Strawberry consumption increased from 4.6 lbs (2.08kg) in 2011 to 6.7 lbs (3.03kg) in 2021, an increase of 45%.
Here is a list of fresh fruit with per capita growth since 2011, as reported by the USDA (per capita retail availability in 2021 in pounds, with percentage change from 2011)
- Raspberries: 0.8 lb (362g), an increase of 192%.
- Blueberries: 2.3 lbs (1.04kg), an increase of 97%.
- Lemons: 4.4 lbs (1.99kg), an increase of 86%.
- Mandarins and tangerines: 6.6 lbs (2.99kg), an increase of 69%.
- Avocados: 7.9 lbs (3.58kg), up 64%.
- Strawberries: 6.7 lbs (3.03kg), an increase of 45%.
- Mangoes: 3.5 lbs (1.58kg), an increase of 44%.
- Lemons: 4.7 lbs (2.13), an increase of 42%.
- Kiwi: 0.7lb (317g), up 39%.
- Pineapple: 7.5 lbs (3.4kg), an increase of 38%.
- Papaya: 1.3 lbs (589g), up 28%.
- Grapes: 7.7 lbs (3.49kg), an increase of 15%.
- Cherries: 1.3 lbs (589g), up 10%.
- Bananas: 26.9 lbs (12.2kg), up 5%.
- Apples: 15.2 lbs (6.9kg), up 2%.
- Pears: 3 lbs (1.4kg), down 3%.
- Melons: 19 lbs (8.6kg), down 13%.
- Oranges: 7.9 lbs (3.6kg), down 18%.
- Apricots: 0.1 lb (45g), down 21%.
- Plums and prunes: 0.5 lbs (226g), down 42%.
- Grapefruit: 1.4 lbs (635g), down 46%.
- Peaches and nectarines: 2.3 pounds (1kg), down 47%.
- Total citrus fruit: 25.1 lbs (11.38kg), up 14%.
- Total non-citrus fruit: 106.7 lbs (48.4kg), up 8%.
- Total fresh fruit: 131.8 lbs (59.8kg), up 9%.
Source: The Packer
