Frozen fruit is hot, with dollar sales up 13.4% in 2014 compared to the previous year. That’s the number-one growth area within the otherwise anemic frozen-food category, where overall sales rose only 0.7%, and fourth fastest-growing in the whole supermarket. According to a report in FoodNavigator-USA, frozen-fruit sales have topped $1 billion, more than triple the $300 million level of just a decade ago. Leading the growth: sales of frozen mixed berries, mixed fruit, tropical fruit, mango and pineapple.
Part of the trend, according to a survey commissioned by Dole Packaged Foods, is an increasing awareness that frozen fruits are typically at least as nutritious as fresh. “Trying to eat healthier” was cited by 63% of consumers who reported buying more frozen fruit; 54% said they were “making more smoothies.” For more on the nutrition in frozen foods, see our January newsletter.