As part of the Hort Innovation-funded Harvest to Home project, global information and measurement company Nielsen has produced a comprehensive review into the impacts on COVID-19 on the fresh produce industry. AUSVEG presents a summary of the report’s top 10 findings.

1. In the four weeks to 4 October 2020, total grocery sales continued to stabilise after the start of Victoria’s lockdown in July. Dollar sales in this period remained higher than same time year ago (+10.6%)

2. Produce volume growth 2.9% higher this month than same time year ago. The average price per kg was 7.0% higher than same time year ago.

3. Victoria contributed the most in volume produce growth both in the short and long-term.

4. Homebody economy continuing to drive strong vegetable sales while fruit sales remain less than year ago, contributed to by higher pricing.

5. Pre-packed fruit and veg continues to show significant growth since COVID-19. Attributed in-part to perceived safety and increased convenience of pre-packed products.

6. Potatoes and onions continued to dominate the contribution to volume growth. This was followed by broccoli/Broccolini, cucumbers, tomatoes and Asian vegetable varieties.

7. There was strong growth in bananas, strawberries and pears, which counteracted declines in avocados and melons leading to an overall negative fruit volume result of -4.4%.

8. The amount purchased per buying occasion stabilised for both fruit and vegetables. However, households are spending more for the same amount of fruit and less for the same amount of vegetables.

9. The major retailers have returned to February 2020 levels pre-COVID-19. Other supermarkets rose in market share to the detriment of greengrocers and markets.

10. Vegetable growth continues to grow online sales compared with online sales of just fruit and all fresh produce combined. Online produce sales nearly double that of same time year ago.

Find out more

Please visit the Harvest to Home website to read the full report.

These data and insights were produced independently by Nielsen and shared through the Harvest to Home platform, supported through the Hort Innovation vegetable, sweetpotato and onion research and development levies. For more insights, visit harvesttohome.net.au.

The Harvest to Home dashboard is an initiative of the Vegetable Cluster Consumer Insights Program and is funded by Hort Innovation using the vegetable, sweetpotato and onion research and development levies and contributions from the Australian Government.

Project Number: MT17017

This article has appeared in Vegetables Australia – Summer 2020/21. To read the full publication, please click here.