Demographic and socioeconomic factors are the major influencing trends that affect fruit and vegetable consumption in the United States.
Rising income and education levels as well as increasing average age of the population may also influence this trend.
In the United States, an increase in Hispanic population is predicted to increase the consumption of tomato and its products. By the year 2020, per capita intake of potatoes and french fries is expected to drop by 8–9%.
The consumption of lettuce (+5.1%), tomatoes (+1.3%), and other vegetables (+3.6%) is expected to increase during the same period. Among fruits, the consumption of grapes (+5.1%), apples (+7.8%), citrus fruits (+7.4%), and other fruits (+7%) is anticipated to increase by the year 2020.
However, an increased tendency to eat outside the home may tend to reduce the fruit intake marginally, as such a habit tends to promote the intake of lettuce and potato products marginally.
In Canada, the United States, and Europe, a large increase in Asian population is anticipated to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables native to Asia. Another important trend in fruit and vegetable production is organic farming. It is generally believed that fruits and vegetables grown organically are more nutritious and the production of organic fruits and vegetables is increasing yearly. Farmers’ markets and pick-your-own operations have increased the diversity of fruit and vegetable production and marketing.
Sustainable and environment-friendly production methods are increasingly being applied in most countries.
Addition of fruit components to processed food (cereals, yogurt, etc.) has become a common trend in the processing industry. Thus, several socioeconomic factors are driving the importance of fruit and vegetable consumption in a positive direction, and this in turn will influence the patterns of production, storage, and distribution of fruits and vegetables.