Apples defy flat February fruit sales

In the 4 weeks to 21 FEB 2021 the take home fruit category was flat with -0.8% in dollar sales and volume sales declined -4.3%, versus same time year ago.

Apples

Apples grew 8.9% in dollar sales while volume sales decline -9.9%, driven by a 20.8% price increase compared to the prior year. A decline in buying households and purchase occasions contributed to the volume decline.

Other apples, consisting of new varieties, such as Envy, Eve, Jazz, Kanzi, etc., and Royal Gala were the only varieties to see volume growth in the last 4 weeks compared to the prior year, while Red Delicious declined the most in sales.

Pears

Pears declined -1.3% in dollar sales and -6.3% in volume sales, with the average price per KG seeing an increase of 5.3%. A decline in buying households and purchase frequency contributed to the decline in sales growth. Other pears, consisting of Beurré Bosc and Corella pears, have performed well in the latest 4 weeks, and were the main volume growth drivers for pears. Other pears performance was driven by an increase in purchase frequency and number of buying households.

APAL calculation based in part on data reported by Nielsen through its Homescan Service for the fruit category to 21 FEB 2021 vs year ago, for the total Australia market, according to the Nielsen standard product hierarchy. Copyright © 2021, The Nielsen Company.

Prior performance

Price offsets reduced sales – (to 24 January 2021)

New varieties continue strong consumer growth – (to 27 December 2020)

Consumers spend more on apples and pears (to 29 November, 2020)

Apples and pears take-home sales performance (to 1 November, 2020).