Source: Sustainable Food News

U.S. organic produce retail sales continue to surge, hitting $1.3 billion in the second quarter of 2017, a 7.9 percent increase, according to the United Fresh Produce Association's (UFPA) FreshFacts On Retail Report.

While the produce department at retail posted its second consecutive quarter of lower sales, organics - led by organic packaged salad sales and the growth of organic berries - represented 10 percent of the produce department's sales, the first time it has reached double-digits.

Organic sales continue strong growth

"Consistent increase in availability (nearly every fruit or vegetable experienced an increase in distribution) and pressure to offer items more competitively priced with conventional products has spurred consistent growth," said the report.

Many organic commodities 'still underdeveloped'

Organic berries and herbs sales continue to surge. Meanwhile, citrus, grapes, potatoes and melons are all top 10 commodities in overall sales, yet have less than 5 percent of sales from organic.