In this article, we will take a look at the 20 most consumed fruit in the US. If you want to skip our discussion on the fruit industry, go to the 5 Most Consumed Fruit in the US.
According to Zion Market Research, the global fruit and vegetable processing market was valued at approximately $8.5 billion in 2022. The market is projected to reach $14.1 billion by 2030, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 6.5% from 2023 to 2030. China, India, and Brazil are among the top 20 fruit producing countries in the world. While tomatoes claim the title of the most consumed fruit in the world, it's interesting to note that consumer choices vary widely when it comes to the discussion of the most popular fruit by country. In 2022, China's fruit exports contracted by 8% in volume and 15% in value compared to 2021, with the total reaching 3.26 million metric tons and $4.6 billion. Meanwhile, the US reported its fresh fruit exports at $4.1 billion, reflecting an 8% YoY decline in value. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the farm value of fruit production in the United States is projected to rise to $24 billion by the year 2032. In terms of volume, the report suggests that the combined production of fruits, tree nuts, and vegetables is expected to reach 172 billion pounds. This represents a modest increase from the 165 billion pounds recorded in 2021. Among these projected volumes, fruits in the USA are expected to contribute approximately 30% to the total output, while vegetable and pulse crops are expected to contribute 70%. The most popular vegetables in the world, such as carrots and potatoes, are among the key components of global diets.
In the post-pandemic era, the fruit industry has witnessed significant changes in consumer preferences. Health-conscious individuals are increasingly seeking out fresh fruits due to a growing awareness of the importance of a healthy diet. Similarly, environmental concerns and a focus on sustainability have resulted in greater demand for organically grown fruits. The convenience factor has also come into play, with busy lifestyles encouraging consumers to explore options like pre-cut fruits, smoothies, and dried fruit snacks. In recent years, the fruit industry has had to navigate through various challenges, all while adapting to evolving consumer preferences. Erratic weather patterns and extreme events have posed threats to fruit production, leading to fluctuations in crop yields and quality. Furthermore, political conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict led to disruptions in supply and high logistical costs. Argentina, a major exporter of fruit to Russia, felt the financial implications of these disruptions as approximately 25% of Argentina's total export volume is absorbed by Russia and Ukraine. These shipments typically amount to around 40,000 to 50,000 tons each year.
Key Players in the Industry
There are multiple notable players operating in the fruit industry, such as Dole plc (NYSE:DOLE). Dole plc (NYSE:DOLE) is a Dublin, Ireland-based agricultural company founded in 1851. The company is amongst the largest fruit and vegetable producers in the world. In Q2 2023, Dole plc (NYSE:DOLE) reported revenue of $2.1 billion, reflecting an increase of 4.4% over the previous quarter. Furthermore, net income for the second quarter observed an increase of 8.1%, reaching $52.3 million. Additionally, Dole plc's (NYSE:DOLE) EBITDA witnessed a 9.7% growth, totaling $122.7 million in the second quarter. You can read the company’s Q2 2023 earnings call transcript here.
Another key player in the fruit industry is Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc (NYSE:FDP). The company reported a total revenue of $4.43 billion over the past twelve months. This figure represents a slight decrease compared to the $4.44 billion in revenue generated in the year 2022. To expand its operations, Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc (NYSE:FDP) has initiated sustainability measures and aims to adopt more responsible sourcing practices. Greenyard NV (EBR:GREEN) is another popular company operating in the fruit industry. Over the course of the fiscal years from March 2019 to 2023, the company's average revenue was around $4.3 billion. Greenyard NV (EBR:GREEN) has ambitious plans for the future, with the goal of introducing a pure plant powerhouse by 2030.
20 Most Consumed Fruit in the US
Our Methodology
To shortlist the 20 most consumed fruit in the US, we referred to multiple reputable sources, such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA). The IFPA research examines the consumption behaviors of 100,000 households in the United States, spanning various regions of the country. The fruits have been ranked in ascending order of the average household consumption levels as of 2022.
Most Consumed Fruit in the US
20. Mangoes
Household Consumption Rate: 9%
The United States is responsible for 13% of the global mango production each year, with significant cultivation taking place in Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and California. Nonetheless, the US imports approximately 80% of its mango supply from Mexico.
19. Grapefruit
Household Consumption Rate: 13%
The United States serves as a primary exporter of grapefruit and cultivates this fruit in states like Florida, California, and Texas.
18. Kiwi
Household Consumption Rate: 14%
In the US, kiwi is mostly grown in Florida and California. In 2021, the country acquired 174,000 tons of fruit from Florida, 156,000 tons from California, and 96,000 tons from Texas. Additionally, the US also relies on New Zealand, Italy, and Chile for Kiwi imports.
17. Limes
Household Consumption Rate: 14%
Most of the lime cultivation in the US takes place in Florida, while the imports are mostly from Mexico. According to Mordor Intelligence, the lime market in the United States is estimated to be valued at $2.3 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% and reach $2.8 billion by 2028. In 2021 and 2022, the price of imported limes observed consistent growth in the US. The price is anticipated to peak at $76.3 per package in 2023, reflecting an increase of 70.9% compared to the peak price of $44.7 in 2022.
16. Lemons
Household Consumption Rate: 25%
States like Arizona, California, and Florida lead in the production of lemons in the USA.
15. Pears
Household Consumption Rate: 27%
Overall, 95% of pears in the US come from California, Oregon, and Washington, while the rest are either imported from Argentina, China, or Chile.
14. Blackberries
Household Consumption Rate: 31%
Oregon, Washington, and California lead the production of blackberries in the US. In the early months of 2022, there was a noticeable rise in the supply of Mexican blackberries in the US compared to 2021. Michoacan, the primary blackberry producer in Mexico, contributed to 94% of the country's overall production.
13. Cherries
Household Consumption Rate: 35%
Around 90% of US cherries are produced in Washington, California, and Oregon. The primary cherry varieties produced in these states include the sweet and popular Bing cherries and the Rainier cherries.
12. Raspberries
Household Consumption Rate: 36%
The majority of raspberries in the US are cultivated in California. In 2021, the US cultivated raspberries on a total of 16,700 acres. The fresh raspberry production from this harvest amounted to 113,490 pounds, valued at $3.6 per pound. Additionally, there was processed raspberry production totaling 65,120 pounds, valued at $1.8 per pound. The US also exported 47.6 million pounds of fresh raspberries in 2021, with a collective value of $172.3 million. The country exports around 75% of its total raspberry exports to Canada.
11. Pineapple
Household Consumption Rate: 46%
Most of the Pineapples in the US are grown in Hawaii, followed by Puerto Rico. The US also imports pineapples from Costa Rica.
10. Peaches/Nectarine/Plums
Household Consumption Rate: 49%
Peaches are mostly produced in South Carolina, New Jersey, and California in the US. In 2022, peach production in the US was estimated at nearly 626 thousand tons. During the same year, California emerged as the top producer among the states, contributing around 475 thousand tons to the total national production, which accounted for approximately two-thirds of the overall output.
9. Oranges
Household Consumption Rate: 49%
In 2022, orange production in the US totaled 3.47 million tons, decreasing from nearly 4.4 million tons in 2021. The US has seen a steady decrease in its orange production since 2000, when it totaled approximately 13 billion tons. The states producing most of the oranges in the country include Florida, Arizona, Texas, and California.
8. Mandarins
Household Consumption Rate: 51%
Mandarins are mainly produced in southern California. To meet consumer demand, the US also imports mandarins from Spain, Morocco, Chile, and Peru.
7. Blueberries
Household Consumption Rate: 53%
In 2021, the US cultivated a total of 660 million pounds of blueberries, including highbush and rabbit eye varieties. Out of this production, approximately 354 million pounds were sold as fresh blueberries, while the remaining 306 million pounds were sold in processed forms. The combined value of both fresh and processed cultivated blueberries in the US amounted to $720.2 million. Georgia held the distinction of being the leading producer of cultivated blueberries in the US in 2021. The state's production reached 4.2 million pounds, with a total value of $130.4 million. Over 10 states grow blueberries in the US, including North Carolina, Texas, Florida, Washington, Georgia, Oregon, New Jersey, Minnesota, California, and Michigan.
6. Avocados
Household Consumption Rate: 56%
About 98% of Avocados in the US are imported from either Mexico, Chile, or Peru. In 2021, the US imported about 3 billion avocados and exported 31 million.
For investors keen on capitalizing on the fruit industry's growth, several prominent companies such as Dole plc (NYSE:DOLE), Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc (NYSE:FDP), and Greenyard NV (EBR:GREEN) offer investment opportunities.
