Import demand for tropical fresh fruits

U.S. consumer perceptions and habits toward consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables and the influx of an immigrant population accustomed to fresh-produce diets, mainly Asian and Hispanic populations, has affected the demand for fresh fruits and vegetables. Supply factors, such as the climate and a limited farm labor supply, on the other hand, have restricted the ability of U.S. producers to respond to the rising demand, making imports the more viable solution to satisfy the rising demand for fresh fruits. A study by UGA applied and agricultural economists analyzed U.S. import demand for the top tropical fresh fruits and fresh vegetables, which also comprise the bulk of U.S. fresh fruit and vegetable imports. They found that most fresh vegetable imports were shown to significantly compete with domestic fresh vegetables, and in particular with tomatoes, peppers and cucumbers. Key market players in the fresh fruit and vegetable trade and the countries of origin for these commodities can use these findings in determining how much they could increase their U.S. market share and if price competition is a viable option. The U.S. might also find the results useful in deciding what and when to allow some tropical fresh fruits and vegetables into the country to promote fresh produce consumption and to bolster domestic fresh produce production.