Source: ORGANIC PRODUCE NETWORK, 1/27/22
 
 
Organic fresh produce grew sales by 5.5 percent in 2021, topping $9 billion for the first time, and outpaced conventionally grown produce in year-over-year gains in both sales and volume, according to the 2021 Organic Produce Performance Report released today by Organic Produce Network and Category Partners.

Despite the return of foodservice in 2021, organic produce sales and volume at retail outlets still showed year-over-year growth in all four quarters of last year. Total organic fresh produce sales for 2021 were $9.2 billion, an increase of $477 million compared to 2020.

The organic fresh berry category (which includes strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries) was the star performer when it came to year-over-year growth in 2021, with a 14 percent gain in sales and a 10 percent rise in volume.

Three categories—packaged salads, berries, and apples—accounted for two-thirds of all organic fresh dollar growth in 2021 compared to 2020. Despite organic berries’ large year-over-year dollar increase, packaged salads were again the number one organic fresh produce category by total sales, topping $1.5 billion.

In 2021, packaged salads continued to have one of the highest organic price premiums—$3.11/lb. over conventional. Organic berries also exhibited significant price premiums over conventional: blackberries ($3.01/lb.), blueberries ($2.18/lb.), and raspberries ($2.52/lb.). Organic bananas, on the other hand, continued to have one of the smallest price premiums at $0.15/lb. 

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