The Food Service industry has suffered immensely due to closure of restaurants / bars, plus the suspension of the cruise industry, cultural, and sporting events, etc.  This has been particularly difficult for us because it consists of roughly 20% of our  movement and Food Service generally takes small-sized fruit which supermarkets do not purchase in great volume. Fru-Veg was able to find a solution! A number of consumers preferred to start buying produce packaged in a clamshell or bag vs individual loose pieces on a shelf. We immediately purchased material locally to start packing our smaller sized fruits in bags. We experienced a great demand for the bags at our supermarkets throughout the east coast of the US.

The supermarket consumption has benefitted greatly because consumers are staying at home and preparing meals for their family. Many consumers are trying to maintain a high immune system. Produce that contain high vitamin C levels has seen a great surge in sales. Citrus, such as Oranges / Clementines are selling very well and the demand for Kiwi has increased as well. Last season we instituted a clamshell Kiwi program called Kiwi King and we have also seen a great spark to the program. One thing to note: there are certain commodities such as avocados and tomatoes that have not seen high enough  category growth to offset the loss of the Food Service volume.  

Fru-Veg has introduced on Instagram and Facebook new  recipes and innovative drinks for consumers to make during stay-at-home, welcoming readers to add their own.