Organic Produce Sales Growth Continues

New data released this week show the trend of rising organic fresh produce sales volume kicked off in March 2020 continued through the first quarter of 2021, with sales for the quarter topping $2.2 billion, or 9.3% higher than the first quarter of 2020. The sales increase was sustained largely by the continuation of limitations on restaurant operations as consumers prepared more meals at home. But as more restaurants reopen and food services resume normal pre-pandemic operations, industry leaders say they expect a reversal of the trend soon. The question remains how much sales will slow down. Currently, packaged salads, fresh herbs and tomatoes have generated the largest portion of the general organic produce sales increase. Regionally, every part of the U.S. saw organic produce increases, with the historical leaders — the West and Northeast — continuing to pace the most recent sales climb. See more on the state of organic produce sales.