Prices
Prices for fresh carrots have been variable over the years. In 2012 the average price for fresh carrots was $26.20 per cwt, down from $32.50 per cwt in 2011. (NASS 2013)
Prices for processing carrots have always been much lower than prices for fresh carrots. Prices for processing carrots were $103 per ton in 2012, up from $85.70 per ton in 2011. (NASS 2013)
Demand
Demand for carrots rose to an estimated 9.8 pounds per person in 2010. (Carrots reached a high of 18.2 pounds per person in 1997.) The majority of consumption is attributable to demand for fresh carrots, which increased to 7.6 pounds per person in 2010. Demand for processing carrots, including freezing and canning, has been variable and substantially less than fresh market consumption. The per person consumption of carrots used for freezing and canning in 2010 was 2.2 pounds. (ERS)
Factors influencing consumer demand for carrots include convenience, taste and health consciousness, given that carrots are a good source of vitamins and minerals and have been shown to contain cancer-preventing agents (ERS 2003). In this century, carrots have largely been used as a popular cooking vegetable, salad item, snack food and raw vegetable. In addition, value-added products including peeled baby carrots and other fresh-cut items have gained in popularity (ERS 2007).