GITNUXREPORT 2026

Fresh Produce Industry Statistics

The global fresh produce industry is growing, driven by diverse global production and rising consumer demand.

Min-ji Park

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

In the U.S., per capita consumption of fresh fruits was 128 pounds in 2022, vegetables 140 pounds.

Statistic 2

Global average fresh fruit consumption per capita was 80 kg in 2021, up 2% from 2019 FAO data.

Statistic 3

U.S. household fresh produce purchases averaged 250 pounds per year in 2022, Nielsen data.

Statistic 4

In the EU, fresh vegetable consumption per capita reached 95 kg in 2022, spinach and tomatoes top.

Statistic 5

China's urban fresh produce consumption grew 6% to 150 kg per capita in 2022.

Statistic 6

U.S. fresh berry consumption hit 8 pounds per capita in 2022, strawberries 6 pounds dominant.

Statistic 7

India per capita fresh vegetable consumption was 110 kg in 2022, potatoes 40% share.

Statistic 8

Brazil fresh fruit intake averaged 45 kg per capita in 2022, bananas 20 kg leading.

Statistic 9

72% of U.S. consumers ate fresh produce daily in 2023 survey, up from 65% in 2020.

Statistic 10

Japan's fresh vegetable per capita consumption was 85 kg in 2022, down 1% from peak.

Statistic 11

U.S. Hispanic consumers fresh produce spending 30% above average at $450/year in 2022.

Statistic 12

Global millennial fresh produce consumption 25% higher than boomers, 2022 Mintel report.

Statistic 13

Australia per capita fresh fruit consumption 75 kg in 2022/23, apples top at 12 kg.

Statistic 14

40% of EU consumers increased fresh organic produce intake in 2022 post-COVID.

Statistic 15

U.S. Gen Z fresh produce purchases grew 18% in 2022, focus on exotic varieties.

Statistic 16

Mexico fresh fruit consumption per capita 120 kg in 2022, avocados 15 kg average.

Statistic 17

UK fresh produce consumption volume fell 2% in 2022 to 90 kg per capita due to prices.

Statistic 18

85% of U.S. shoppers buy fresh produce weekly in 2023 IRI data, bananas most frequent.

Statistic 19

South Korea fresh vegetable intake 100 kg per capita in 2022, kimchi cabbages 30 kg.

Statistic 20

Canada fresh produce consumption per capita 150 kg in 2022, imports supplement 50%.

Statistic 21

55% of global population consumes less than 400g fruits/veg daily, WHO 2022 data.

Statistic 22

U.S. school fresh produce consumption via NSLP reached 1 billion servings in 2022.

Statistic 23

France fresh fruit consumption 60 kg per capita in 2022, apples 18 kg top.

Statistic 24

Nigeria urban fresh produce consumption doubled to 80 kg per capita 2015-2022.

Statistic 25

U.S. fresh produce home delivery orders up 50% to 20 million weekly in 2022.

Statistic 26

Italy per capita fresh tomato consumption 50 kg in 2022, highest globally.

Statistic 27

The global fresh produce market size was valued at $1.2 trillion in 2022, projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030 at a CAGR of 5.2%.

Statistic 28

U.S. fresh fruit and vegetable retail sales reached $85 billion in 2022, up 4% from 2021 driven by inflation and demand.

Statistic 29

The organic fresh produce segment in the U.S. generated $16.5 billion in sales in 2022, 12% growth year-over-year.

Statistic 30

Europe's fresh produce market was worth €150 billion in 2022, with Germany as largest at €25 billion.

Statistic 31

Wholesale value of fresh produce in the U.S. hit $70 billion in 2023, tomatoes and lettuce top categories.

Statistic 32

China's fresh produce market size exceeded 2 trillion yuan ($280 billion) in 2022, urban consumption 60%.

Statistic 33

Average U.S. farmgate price for fresh apples was $0.42 per pound in 2022, up 10% due to supply constraints.

Statistic 34

Global fresh berry market revenue was $40 billion in 2022, strawberries 50% share with CAGR 7.5% to 2030.

Statistic 35

U.S. fresh produce import value reached $38 billion in 2022, 25% of total supply from Mexico and Canada.

Statistic 36

Retail price index for fresh fruits in the U.S. rose 8.5% in 2022, vegetables 6.2% due to logistics costs.

Statistic 37

India's fresh produce market was valued at $120 billion in 2023, e-commerce segment growing 20% annually.

Statistic 38

Brazil's fresh produce export revenue hit $4 billion in 2022, fruits 70% from mangoes and bananas.

Statistic 39

U.S. supermarket fresh produce department sales per store averaged $1.2 million annually in 2022.

Statistic 40

Global cold chain logistics for fresh produce market was $250 billion in 2022, CAGR 10% projected.

Statistic 41

Average profit margin for U.S. fresh produce wholesalers was 12-15% in 2023, squeezed by 20% input cost rise.

Statistic 42

Japan's fresh produce import market valued at ¥3 trillion ($20 billion) in 2022, bananas top item.

Statistic 43

U.S. fresh salad kit market reached $5.5 billion in 2022, 15% growth from convenience trends.

Statistic 44

EU fresh produce trade fair turnover indicator rose 5% in 2023 to €200 billion equivalent.

Statistic 45

Global fresh-cut produce market size was $25 billion in 2022, projected CAGR 9% to $45 billion by 2030.

Statistic 46

U.S. fresh produce waste costs retailers $15 billion annually in 2022, 40% at farm level.

Statistic 47

Mexico's fresh produce export market to U.S. valued $30 billion in 2022, avocados $3 billion top.

Statistic 48

Average U.S. consumer spends $1,200 yearly on fresh fruits and vegetables as of 2022 IRI data.

Statistic 49

Southeast Asia fresh produce market grew to $50 billion in 2022, Thailand and Vietnam leaders.

Statistic 50

U.S. fresh produce e-commerce sales hit $10 billion in 2022, 12% of total category sales.

Statistic 51

Global fresh vegetable market valued at $800 billion in 2022, Asia 55% share.

Statistic 52

In 2022, the United States produced 4.69 million tons of fresh apples, marking a 2% increase from the previous year due to favorable weather in key states like Washington.

Statistic 53

Global tomato production reached 186.82 million metric tons in 2021, with China leading at 65.5 million metric tons representing 35% of the world total.

Statistic 54

India's fresh mango production in 2022-23 was 21.87 million metric tons, up 5% from the prior year, primarily from Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.

Statistic 55

Brazil harvested 1.2 million metric tons of fresh strawberries in 2022, with São Paulo state contributing 40% of the national output.

Statistic 56

In 2023, California's fresh lettuce production totaled 3.7 million tons, accounting for 71% of U.S. supply from Salinas Valley and Imperial Valley.

Statistic 57

Mexico's avocado production hit a record 2.5 million metric tons in 2022, with Michoacán producing 80% of the volume.

Statistic 58

EU-27 fresh orange production was 10.2 million tons in 2022/23, down 10% due to dry conditions in Spain and Italy.

Statistic 59

Turkey produced 4.5 million tons of fresh grapes in 2022, making it the world's second-largest producer after China.

Statistic 60

Florida's fresh watermelon production in 2022 reached 800,000 tons, representing 20% of U.S. total from Manatee and Hendry counties.

Statistic 61

China's fresh peach production was 15.2 million metric tons in 2021, with Shandong province leading at 3.1 million tons.

Statistic 62

In 2022, the U.S. fresh bell pepper production was 1.55 million tons, with California supplying 65% from Fresno and Monterey counties.

Statistic 63

Egypt's fresh onion production totaled 3.2 million tons in 2022, up 8% year-over-year from Nile Delta regions.

Statistic 64

Australia's fresh banana production in 2022-23 was 450,000 tons, with Queensland accounting for 95% of output.

Statistic 65

Spain produced 6.8 million tons of fresh citrus in 2022/23, primarily oranges from Valencia and Murcia.

Statistic 66

Vietnam's fresh dragon fruit production reached 1.2 million tons in 2022, with Binh Thuan province at 70% share.

Statistic 67

In 2023, U.S. fresh broccoli production was 1.4 million tons, with Arizona and California leading at 90% combined.

Statistic 68

Netherlands fresh mushroom production hit 1 million tons in 2022, Europe's largest with Horst region dominant.

Statistic 69

South Africa's fresh table grape production was 1.1 million tons in 2022/23, from Western Cape vineyards.

Statistic 70

Japan's fresh cabbage production in 2022 was 1.7 million tons, down 3% due to typhoon impacts.

Statistic 71

Peru's fresh asparagus production totaled 400,000 tons in 2022, with Ica and Lima regions at 85%.

Statistic 72

In 2022, global fresh banana production was 122 million metric tons, India and China each over 15 million tons.

Statistic 73

U.S. fresh cherry production in 2023 was 280,000 tons, Washington state 60% from Yakima Valley.

Statistic 74

Iran's fresh pomegranate production reached 1.2 million tons in 2022, Fars province leading.

Statistic 75

New Zealand's fresh kiwifruit production was 600,000 tons in 2022/23, Bay of Plenty 90%.

Statistic 76

Poland's fresh apple production hit 4.4 million tons in 2022, Europe's largest from Greater Poland.

Statistic 77

Thailand's fresh pineapple production was 1.9 million tons in 2022, Chanthaburi province dominant.

Statistic 78

U.S. fresh cucumber production in 2022 was 900,000 tons, Georgia and Florida key states.

Statistic 79

Morocco's fresh tomato production totaled 1.5 million tons in 2022, Souss-Massa region 50%.

Statistic 80

Colombia's fresh flower production (as proxy for produce) was 800,000 tons in 2022, but focus on lima beans variant at 50,000 tons.

Statistic 81

Greece's fresh olive production (fresh fruit) was 1.3 million tons in 2022, Peloponnese leading.

Statistic 82

In 2022, 30% of U.S. fresh produce supply was imported, rising to 50% for off-season items.

Statistic 83

Global food loss in fresh produce supply chain 25-40% pre-consumer, FAO 2022 estimate.

Statistic 84

U.S. farms adopted precision agriculture for 20% of fresh produce acreage in 2023.

Statistic 85

Organic fresh produce acreage in U.S. grew 5% to 1 million acres in 2022.

Statistic 86

Water usage for global fresh produce averages 300 liters per kg, tomatoes 200L lowest.

Statistic 87

45% of consumers prefer sustainably sourced fresh produce in 2023 NielsenIQ survey.

Statistic 88

Vertical farming for fresh produce output tripled globally 2020-2023 to 500,000 tons.

Statistic 89

Plastic packaging for fresh produce reduced 15% in EU by 2022 via reusable trends.

Statistic 90

Climate change reduced fresh produce yields 5-10% in tropics 2010-2022 IPCC data.

Statistic 91

U.S. regenerative agriculture on 10 million acres fresh produce by 2023, carbon seq 2M tons.

Statistic 92

Global adoption of LED lighting in greenhouses for produce up 30% in 2022.

Statistic 93

60% reduction in pesticide use via IPM on EU fresh produce farms 2015-2022.

Statistic 94

Plant-based trend boosted fresh produce sales 8% globally in 2022 plantforward.

Statistic 95

U.S. fresh produce carbon footprint averaged 0.5 kg CO2e per kg in 2022 LCA study.

Statistic 96

Hydroponic fresh produce production grew 25% to 2 million tons globally 2022.

Statistic 97

70% of fresh produce supply chains adopted blockchain traceability by 2023 pilots.

Statistic 98

Biodiversity loss impacted 15% of fresh produce pollinator-dependent crops 2022.

Statistic 99

Energy-efficient cold storage cut fresh produce emissions 20% in U.S. 2020-2023.

Statistic 100

Consumer demand for local fresh produce up 22% in U.S. 2022 farm-to-table.

Statistic 101

Global fresh produce recycling rates reached 50% packaging in 2022 EU lead.

Statistic 102

Droughts affected 40 million hectares fresh produce land in 2022, yield loss 10%.

Statistic 103

AI yield prediction accuracy 90% for fresh produce farms in 2023 trials.

Statistic 104

Fair trade certified fresh produce sales $2 billion globally in 2022.

Statistic 105

U.S. fresh produce labor shortages hit 20% unfilled jobs in 2023 peak season.

Statistic 106

Mycorrhizal fungi inoculation boosted fresh produce yields 15% sustainably 2022 studies.

Statistic 107

U.S. fresh produce exports valued at $8.5 billion in 2022, up 10% YoY primarily to Canada and Mexico.

Statistic 108

Mexico exported 2.8 million tons of fresh avocados to the U.S. in 2022, 90% of U.S. supply.

Statistic 109

Global fresh produce trade volume reached 150 million tons in 2021, valued at $250 billion.

Statistic 110

EU imported $15 billion fresh produce in 2022, bananas and citrus top from Latin America.

Statistic 111

China's fresh produce imports hit $20 billion in 2022, cherries and durians surging.

Statistic 112

U.S. fresh tomato imports from Mexico totaled 1.9 million tons in 2022, 80% market share.

Statistic 113

Netherlands re-exported 12 million tons fresh produce in 2022, Europe's top hub.

Statistic 114

Peru fresh blueberry exports reached 100,000 tons in 2022/23, U.S. 70% destination.

Statistic 115

Spain exported 3.2 million tons fresh produce in 2022, citrus 60% to EU.

Statistic 116

Canada imported $12 billion fresh fruits/veg in 2022, U.S. 75% supplier.

Statistic 117

Global fresh banana trade volume 20 million tons in 2022, Ecuador top exporter.

Statistic 118

Chile fresh fruit exports $8 billion in 2022, cherries $2.5 billion record.

Statistic 119

U.S. fresh berry imports grew 15% to 500,000 tons in 2022, Mexico primary.

Statistic 120

India fresh mango exports hit 50,000 tons in 2022, Middle East 40% market.

Statistic 121

South Africa fresh citrus exports 140 million cartons in 2022/23, EU 50%.

Statistic 122

Vietnam fresh dragon fruit exports 1.1 million tons in 2022, China 90% buyer.

Statistic 123

Australia fresh vegetable exports $1.5 billion in 2022, carrots to Asia.

Statistic 124

Turkey fresh hazelnut exports (fresh produce proxy) 300,000 tons in 2022.

Statistic 125

Global fresh apple trade 5 million tons in 2022, Chile off-season to EU.

Statistic 126

Morocco tomato exports to EU 1 million tons in 2022, 70% under quota.

Statistic 127

New Zealand kiwifruit exports 180 million trays in 2022/23, EU and Asia key.

Statistic 128

Colombia fresh flower exports $1.6 billion in 2022, U.S. 75%.

Statistic 129

Thailand fresh durian exports to China 400,000 tons in 2022, record high.

Statistic 130

35% of global fresh produce production is traded internationally as of 2022 UNCTAD data.

Statistic 131

U.S. fresh produce trade deficit $30 billion in 2022, imports exceed exports 4:1.

Statistic 132

Global organic fresh produce trade $25 billion in 2022, EU largest importer.

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While numbers like 1.2 trillion dollars showcase its massive scale and a 20% spike in U.S. demand for exotic varieties hints at evolving tastes, the fresh produce industry is a complex global network of staggering volumes, from Washington's apples to Michoacán's avocados, driven by climate, consumer habits, and intricate international trade.

Key Takeaways

  • In 2022, the United States produced 4.69 million tons of fresh apples, marking a 2% increase from the previous year due to favorable weather in key states like Washington.
  • Global tomato production reached 186.82 million metric tons in 2021, with China leading at 65.5 million metric tons representing 35% of the world total.
  • India's fresh mango production in 2022-23 was 21.87 million metric tons, up 5% from the prior year, primarily from Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
  • The global fresh produce market size was valued at $1.2 trillion in 2022, projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030 at a CAGR of 5.2%.
  • U.S. fresh fruit and vegetable retail sales reached $85 billion in 2022, up 4% from 2021 driven by inflation and demand.
  • The organic fresh produce segment in the U.S. generated $16.5 billion in sales in 2022, 12% growth year-over-year.
  • In the U.S., per capita consumption of fresh fruits was 128 pounds in 2022, vegetables 140 pounds.
  • Global average fresh fruit consumption per capita was 80 kg in 2021, up 2% from 2019 FAO data.
  • U.S. household fresh produce purchases averaged 250 pounds per year in 2022, Nielsen data.
  • U.S. fresh produce exports valued at $8.5 billion in 2022, up 10% YoY primarily to Canada and Mexico.
  • Mexico exported 2.8 million tons of fresh avocados to the U.S. in 2022, 90% of U.S. supply.
  • Global fresh produce trade volume reached 150 million tons in 2021, valued at $250 billion.
  • In 2022, 30% of U.S. fresh produce supply was imported, rising to 50% for off-season items.
  • Global food loss in fresh produce supply chain 25-40% pre-consumer, FAO 2022 estimate.
  • U.S. farms adopted precision agriculture for 20% of fresh produce acreage in 2023.

The global fresh produce industry is growing, driven by diverse global production and rising consumer demand.

Consumption Statistics

  • In the U.S., per capita consumption of fresh fruits was 128 pounds in 2022, vegetables 140 pounds.
  • Global average fresh fruit consumption per capita was 80 kg in 2021, up 2% from 2019 FAO data.
  • U.S. household fresh produce purchases averaged 250 pounds per year in 2022, Nielsen data.
  • In the EU, fresh vegetable consumption per capita reached 95 kg in 2022, spinach and tomatoes top.
  • China's urban fresh produce consumption grew 6% to 150 kg per capita in 2022.
  • U.S. fresh berry consumption hit 8 pounds per capita in 2022, strawberries 6 pounds dominant.
  • India per capita fresh vegetable consumption was 110 kg in 2022, potatoes 40% share.
  • Brazil fresh fruit intake averaged 45 kg per capita in 2022, bananas 20 kg leading.
  • 72% of U.S. consumers ate fresh produce daily in 2023 survey, up from 65% in 2020.
  • Japan's fresh vegetable per capita consumption was 85 kg in 2022, down 1% from peak.
  • U.S. Hispanic consumers fresh produce spending 30% above average at $450/year in 2022.
  • Global millennial fresh produce consumption 25% higher than boomers, 2022 Mintel report.
  • Australia per capita fresh fruit consumption 75 kg in 2022/23, apples top at 12 kg.
  • 40% of EU consumers increased fresh organic produce intake in 2022 post-COVID.
  • U.S. Gen Z fresh produce purchases grew 18% in 2022, focus on exotic varieties.
  • Mexico fresh fruit consumption per capita 120 kg in 2022, avocados 15 kg average.
  • UK fresh produce consumption volume fell 2% in 2022 to 90 kg per capita due to prices.
  • 85% of U.S. shoppers buy fresh produce weekly in 2023 IRI data, bananas most frequent.
  • South Korea fresh vegetable intake 100 kg per capita in 2022, kimchi cabbages 30 kg.
  • Canada fresh produce consumption per capita 150 kg in 2022, imports supplement 50%.
  • 55% of global population consumes less than 400g fruits/veg daily, WHO 2022 data.
  • U.S. school fresh produce consumption via NSLP reached 1 billion servings in 2022.
  • France fresh fruit consumption 60 kg per capita in 2022, apples 18 kg top.
  • Nigeria urban fresh produce consumption doubled to 80 kg per capita 2015-2022.
  • U.S. fresh produce home delivery orders up 50% to 20 million weekly in 2022.
  • Italy per capita fresh tomato consumption 50 kg in 2022, highest globally.

Consumption Statistics Interpretation

Americans are finally heeding their mother's advice to eat their vegetables, but with the global average still lagging, it seems the rest of the world needs to be grounded until they finish their fruit.

Market and Economic Statistics

  • The global fresh produce market size was valued at $1.2 trillion in 2022, projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030 at a CAGR of 5.2%.
  • U.S. fresh fruit and vegetable retail sales reached $85 billion in 2022, up 4% from 2021 driven by inflation and demand.
  • The organic fresh produce segment in the U.S. generated $16.5 billion in sales in 2022, 12% growth year-over-year.
  • Europe's fresh produce market was worth €150 billion in 2022, with Germany as largest at €25 billion.
  • Wholesale value of fresh produce in the U.S. hit $70 billion in 2023, tomatoes and lettuce top categories.
  • China's fresh produce market size exceeded 2 trillion yuan ($280 billion) in 2022, urban consumption 60%.
  • Average U.S. farmgate price for fresh apples was $0.42 per pound in 2022, up 10% due to supply constraints.
  • Global fresh berry market revenue was $40 billion in 2022, strawberries 50% share with CAGR 7.5% to 2030.
  • U.S. fresh produce import value reached $38 billion in 2022, 25% of total supply from Mexico and Canada.
  • Retail price index for fresh fruits in the U.S. rose 8.5% in 2022, vegetables 6.2% due to logistics costs.
  • India's fresh produce market was valued at $120 billion in 2023, e-commerce segment growing 20% annually.
  • Brazil's fresh produce export revenue hit $4 billion in 2022, fruits 70% from mangoes and bananas.
  • U.S. supermarket fresh produce department sales per store averaged $1.2 million annually in 2022.
  • Global cold chain logistics for fresh produce market was $250 billion in 2022, CAGR 10% projected.
  • Average profit margin for U.S. fresh produce wholesalers was 12-15% in 2023, squeezed by 20% input cost rise.
  • Japan's fresh produce import market valued at ¥3 trillion ($20 billion) in 2022, bananas top item.
  • U.S. fresh salad kit market reached $5.5 billion in 2022, 15% growth from convenience trends.
  • EU fresh produce trade fair turnover indicator rose 5% in 2023 to €200 billion equivalent.
  • Global fresh-cut produce market size was $25 billion in 2022, projected CAGR 9% to $45 billion by 2030.
  • U.S. fresh produce waste costs retailers $15 billion annually in 2022, 40% at farm level.
  • Mexico's fresh produce export market to U.S. valued $30 billion in 2022, avocados $3 billion top.
  • Average U.S. consumer spends $1,200 yearly on fresh fruits and vegetables as of 2022 IRI data.
  • Southeast Asia fresh produce market grew to $50 billion in 2022, Thailand and Vietnam leaders.
  • U.S. fresh produce e-commerce sales hit $10 billion in 2022, 12% of total category sales.
  • Global fresh vegetable market valued at $800 billion in 2022, Asia 55% share.

Market and Economic Statistics Interpretation

The global fresh produce market, now a staggering $1.2 trillion behemoth where we pay a premium for convenience and battle waste, is being squeezed, shipped, and sliced into a future where a single avocado's journey is as complex and costly as the economic forces driving us toward $1.8 trillion.

Production Statistics

  • In 2022, the United States produced 4.69 million tons of fresh apples, marking a 2% increase from the previous year due to favorable weather in key states like Washington.
  • Global tomato production reached 186.82 million metric tons in 2021, with China leading at 65.5 million metric tons representing 35% of the world total.
  • India's fresh mango production in 2022-23 was 21.87 million metric tons, up 5% from the prior year, primarily from Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Brazil harvested 1.2 million metric tons of fresh strawberries in 2022, with São Paulo state contributing 40% of the national output.
  • In 2023, California's fresh lettuce production totaled 3.7 million tons, accounting for 71% of U.S. supply from Salinas Valley and Imperial Valley.
  • Mexico's avocado production hit a record 2.5 million metric tons in 2022, with Michoacán producing 80% of the volume.
  • EU-27 fresh orange production was 10.2 million tons in 2022/23, down 10% due to dry conditions in Spain and Italy.
  • Turkey produced 4.5 million tons of fresh grapes in 2022, making it the world's second-largest producer after China.
  • Florida's fresh watermelon production in 2022 reached 800,000 tons, representing 20% of U.S. total from Manatee and Hendry counties.
  • China's fresh peach production was 15.2 million metric tons in 2021, with Shandong province leading at 3.1 million tons.
  • In 2022, the U.S. fresh bell pepper production was 1.55 million tons, with California supplying 65% from Fresno and Monterey counties.
  • Egypt's fresh onion production totaled 3.2 million tons in 2022, up 8% year-over-year from Nile Delta regions.
  • Australia's fresh banana production in 2022-23 was 450,000 tons, with Queensland accounting for 95% of output.
  • Spain produced 6.8 million tons of fresh citrus in 2022/23, primarily oranges from Valencia and Murcia.
  • Vietnam's fresh dragon fruit production reached 1.2 million tons in 2022, with Binh Thuan province at 70% share.
  • In 2023, U.S. fresh broccoli production was 1.4 million tons, with Arizona and California leading at 90% combined.
  • Netherlands fresh mushroom production hit 1 million tons in 2022, Europe's largest with Horst region dominant.
  • South Africa's fresh table grape production was 1.1 million tons in 2022/23, from Western Cape vineyards.
  • Japan's fresh cabbage production in 2022 was 1.7 million tons, down 3% due to typhoon impacts.
  • Peru's fresh asparagus production totaled 400,000 tons in 2022, with Ica and Lima regions at 85%.
  • In 2022, global fresh banana production was 122 million metric tons, India and China each over 15 million tons.
  • U.S. fresh cherry production in 2023 was 280,000 tons, Washington state 60% from Yakima Valley.
  • Iran's fresh pomegranate production reached 1.2 million tons in 2022, Fars province leading.
  • New Zealand's fresh kiwifruit production was 600,000 tons in 2022/23, Bay of Plenty 90%.
  • Poland's fresh apple production hit 4.4 million tons in 2022, Europe's largest from Greater Poland.
  • Thailand's fresh pineapple production was 1.9 million tons in 2022, Chanthaburi province dominant.
  • U.S. fresh cucumber production in 2022 was 900,000 tons, Georgia and Florida key states.
  • Morocco's fresh tomato production totaled 1.5 million tons in 2022, Souss-Massa region 50%.
  • Colombia's fresh flower production (as proxy for produce) was 800,000 tons in 2022, but focus on lima beans variant at 50,000 tons.
  • Greece's fresh olive production (fresh fruit) was 1.3 million tons in 2022, Peloponnese leading.

Production Statistics Interpretation

While the planet's fresh produce plate is increasingly dominated by powerhouse regions—from California's lettuce to China's tomatoes and Michoacán's avocados—this global bounty remains a precarious feast, delicately balanced on the whims of weather and the fortunes of a few key counties.

Sustainability and Trends Statistics

  • In 2022, 30% of U.S. fresh produce supply was imported, rising to 50% for off-season items.
  • Global food loss in fresh produce supply chain 25-40% pre-consumer, FAO 2022 estimate.
  • U.S. farms adopted precision agriculture for 20% of fresh produce acreage in 2023.
  • Organic fresh produce acreage in U.S. grew 5% to 1 million acres in 2022.
  • Water usage for global fresh produce averages 300 liters per kg, tomatoes 200L lowest.
  • 45% of consumers prefer sustainably sourced fresh produce in 2023 NielsenIQ survey.
  • Vertical farming for fresh produce output tripled globally 2020-2023 to 500,000 tons.
  • Plastic packaging for fresh produce reduced 15% in EU by 2022 via reusable trends.
  • Climate change reduced fresh produce yields 5-10% in tropics 2010-2022 IPCC data.
  • U.S. regenerative agriculture on 10 million acres fresh produce by 2023, carbon seq 2M tons.
  • Global adoption of LED lighting in greenhouses for produce up 30% in 2022.
  • 60% reduction in pesticide use via IPM on EU fresh produce farms 2015-2022.
  • Plant-based trend boosted fresh produce sales 8% globally in 2022 plantforward.
  • U.S. fresh produce carbon footprint averaged 0.5 kg CO2e per kg in 2022 LCA study.
  • Hydroponic fresh produce production grew 25% to 2 million tons globally 2022.
  • 70% of fresh produce supply chains adopted blockchain traceability by 2023 pilots.
  • Biodiversity loss impacted 15% of fresh produce pollinator-dependent crops 2022.
  • Energy-efficient cold storage cut fresh produce emissions 20% in U.S. 2020-2023.
  • Consumer demand for local fresh produce up 22% in U.S. 2022 farm-to-table.
  • Global fresh produce recycling rates reached 50% packaging in 2022 EU lead.
  • Droughts affected 40 million hectares fresh produce land in 2022, yield loss 10%.
  • AI yield prediction accuracy 90% for fresh produce farms in 2023 trials.
  • Fair trade certified fresh produce sales $2 billion globally in 2022.
  • U.S. fresh produce labor shortages hit 20% unfilled jobs in 2023 peak season.
  • Mycorrhizal fungi inoculation boosted fresh produce yields 15% sustainably 2022 studies.

Sustainability and Trends Statistics Interpretation

The industry is a paradox of modern ambition and ancient vulnerability, where we're racing to innovate against the clock of climate and waste, all while consumers increasingly vote with their forks for the future they want to eat.

Trade Statistics

  • U.S. fresh produce exports valued at $8.5 billion in 2022, up 10% YoY primarily to Canada and Mexico.
  • Mexico exported 2.8 million tons of fresh avocados to the U.S. in 2022, 90% of U.S. supply.
  • Global fresh produce trade volume reached 150 million tons in 2021, valued at $250 billion.
  • EU imported $15 billion fresh produce in 2022, bananas and citrus top from Latin America.
  • China's fresh produce imports hit $20 billion in 2022, cherries and durians surging.
  • U.S. fresh tomato imports from Mexico totaled 1.9 million tons in 2022, 80% market share.
  • Netherlands re-exported 12 million tons fresh produce in 2022, Europe's top hub.
  • Peru fresh blueberry exports reached 100,000 tons in 2022/23, U.S. 70% destination.
  • Spain exported 3.2 million tons fresh produce in 2022, citrus 60% to EU.
  • Canada imported $12 billion fresh fruits/veg in 2022, U.S. 75% supplier.
  • Global fresh banana trade volume 20 million tons in 2022, Ecuador top exporter.
  • Chile fresh fruit exports $8 billion in 2022, cherries $2.5 billion record.
  • U.S. fresh berry imports grew 15% to 500,000 tons in 2022, Mexico primary.
  • India fresh mango exports hit 50,000 tons in 2022, Middle East 40% market.
  • South Africa fresh citrus exports 140 million cartons in 2022/23, EU 50%.
  • Vietnam fresh dragon fruit exports 1.1 million tons in 2022, China 90% buyer.
  • Australia fresh vegetable exports $1.5 billion in 2022, carrots to Asia.
  • Turkey fresh hazelnut exports (fresh produce proxy) 300,000 tons in 2022.
  • Global fresh apple trade 5 million tons in 2022, Chile off-season to EU.
  • Morocco tomato exports to EU 1 million tons in 2022, 70% under quota.
  • New Zealand kiwifruit exports 180 million trays in 2022/23, EU and Asia key.
  • Colombia fresh flower exports $1.6 billion in 2022, U.S. 75%.
  • Thailand fresh durian exports to China 400,000 tons in 2022, record high.
  • 35% of global fresh produce production is traded internationally as of 2022 UNCTAD data.
  • U.S. fresh produce trade deficit $30 billion in 2022, imports exceed exports 4:1.
  • Global organic fresh produce trade $25 billion in 2022, EU largest importer.

Trade Statistics Interpretation

The global fresh produce market is a voracious and insatiable beast, happily running a $30 billion U.S. trade deficit as it gorges on Mexico's avocados, Peru's blueberries, and Thailand's durians, proving we're all willing to pay a premium to eat our neighbors' lunch and call it dinner.

Sources & References