Inflation Boosting Prices of Organic Products

Ongoing inflation resulted in higher retail prices of organic fresh produce during the 3rd quarter of this year.  The Organic Produce Network says that generated a 4.1% increase in total organic dollars but also contributed to a decline of 4.5% in organic volume compared to the same period last year.  Overall, organic fresh produce pricing per pound increased by 8.9% during the third quarter compared to the same time in 2021.  Sales during the third quarter topped $2.4 billion this year.  

At the same time, conventional produce’s average price per pound increased by more than 10%, with total sales of almost $18 billion.

Tomatoes were the bright spot for organic sales in the 3rd quarter, thanks to a 19% increase in volume and a hefty 30% increase in dollars.  Fourteen of the top categories posted year-over-year increases in dollars, led by potatoes, onions, and peaches.

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