Page 417 - FRUTAS DEL TRÓPICO

417
the maRket foR impoRted fResh fRuits and vegetables in the united states

smaller in volume but experienced far greater growth than imports from Mexico and Canada
(Table 1.2).

U.S. fresh fruit and vegetable consumption trends and the role of imports

Fresh fruit and vegetable consumption trends

Fresh fruit and vegetable per capita consumption in the United States increased from 257.16

lbs. in 1980 to 328.83 lbs. in 2004 (see Figure 2.1). The annual growth rate for per capita

consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables during this period was 1.03%, with consumption
of vegetables being more dynamic, at 1.22% per year, and fruit consumption growing at a

rate of 0.74% per year. However, between 1990 and 2004, fruit consumption growth rate

decreased to 0.59% per year, while that for fresh vegetable consumption was 1.30% per year.

Imports’ share of consumption

When examining the role that imports of fruits and vegetables play in supplying the U.S. mar-

ket, data on imports’ share of consumption are key. According to ERS , except for products not

normally grown domestically, over the long run, the proportion of domestic demand satisfied

by imports reflects supply factors as well as relative consumer demand for imported and do-

mestically produced products.

Imports’ share of consumption, defined as the portion of food consumed domestically that

is imported from foreign countries, has been increasing significantly for fruits and vegetables
over recent years. Share of consumption for fresh fruits increased from 23.92% in 1980 to

39.70% in 2004 and for fresh vegetables from 8.41% to 12.11% (Figure 2.2).

Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas