Analysis of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Sales at Retail

Joe Watson VP of Retail, Foodservice & Wholesale International Fresh Produce Association headshot "Retailers are doing everything they can to support consumers in a challenging marketplace, from increasing promotions and donating to food banks to ensuring produce is as fresh as possible to protect shelf life and reduce waste. They are also sharing their knowledge and expertise, creating engaging in-store experiences, and offering meal, snack and beverage inspiration to help shoppers enjoy fresh produce across every eating occasion.”

- Joe Watson, IFPA’s VP of Retail, Foodservice and Wholesale

October 2025

What's New

The Government Shutdown Dominated Headlines

The U.S. federal government shut down on October 1, 2025 after Congress failed to enact appropriations for FY2026. Around 900,000 federal workers were furloughed, with an additional 700,000 required to work without pay. Lasting the full month of October into November, the shutdown pressured household income in regions with heavy federal employment.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), serving more than 40 million Americans, faced a funding shortfall. Many retailers, manufacturers and restaurants donated to food banks and offered free meals and fresh produce during the SNAP lapse.

Do you also manage your floral department?

Check out our dynamic supermarket flower sales data and monthly analysis.

Learn More

The shutdown weighed on consumer sentiment. The University of Michigan Index of Consumer Sentiment dropped 6.2% month-over-month in early November to 50.4, with the shutdown and inflation cited as key drivers. The decline was seen across age, income and political affiliation.
Total retail food and beverage volume declined slightly in October, but has been on a flat-todown trajectory for months as persistent headwinds, including low consumer confidence, tight economic conditions and job concerns weigh on demand. The shutdown does not appear to have had a substantial downward impact on retail food and beverage volume sales.