Fresh Produce Sales Have Risen at U.S. Retailers
Grocery stores are expanding their organic and fresh selections to meet consumer demand for healthier, convenient food options.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Organic Food
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Are local grocery stores doing enough to provide the fresh, healthy food options you want?
Fresh departments, including produce, meat, and dairy, accounted for 41 percent of food retail sales in 2025. This focus on fresh offerings reflects a broader shift toward meeting consumer demand for healthier and more convenient food.
Why it matters
Retailers are prioritizing the expansion of fresh food departments and grab-and-go selections to stay competitive in an evolving market. This shift suggests consumers will see increased access to organic and local produce in their regular shopping routines.
Industry findings show that produce generated $287 in sales per labor hour in 2025, significantly outperforming the store-wide average of $218 per labor hour. While fruit dollar sales increased 5.9 percent over the 52 weeks ending November 2, 2025, vegetable sales saw a more modest increase of 0.3 percent.
The players
FMI
The trade association for the food industry that represents companies and tracks retail trends in food sales and distribution.
The details
Supermarkets are increasingly utilizing advanced technology solutions for inventory and demand planning to manage their fresh food offerings. Retailers are also leveraging local produce assortments to differentiate their inventory from competitors. Plans to further scale operations include expanding organic selections and dedicating more physical floor space to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Timeline
2025 was the period when fresh departments accounted for 41 percent of retail sales.
November 2, 2025, marked the end of the 52-week period tracking fruit and vegetable sales growth.
2026 is the year by which 19 percent of retailers plan to adopt new inventory technology.
Health Landscape
This report highlights a clear shift in the retail health landscape where grocers are moving away from traditional shelf-stable items. It reflects an industry-wide pivot toward fresh, organic, and locally-sourced options as the primary standard of care for consumer health access.
As stores expand their fresh and organic inventories, you can expect more opportunities to incorporate high-quality, whole foods into your daily meals. If you are aiming to prioritize fresh produce, look for new grab-and-go options that align with your personal nutrition goals.
The takeaway
Retailers are heavily investing in fresh and organic food departments to meet the growing consumer demand for healthier choices. Tracking store circulars or checking for new local produce labels is an easy way to stay informed about expanded health-focused offerings in your area.
Further reading
For more information on how market shifts influence what you find on store shelves, explore the Organic Food section.
Live Poll
Are local grocery stores doing enough to provide the fresh, healthy food options you want?
