Page 420 - FRUTAS DEL TRÓPICO

420 Frutas del trópico

Imports’ share of consumption of non-citrus has always been significant. Moreover, its share
increased from 31.08% to 45.09%, between 1980 and 2004. As shown in Figures 2.5a and 2.5b,

several products in this category exhibited marked increases in their share of consumption during

this period. Grapes and melons (Cantaloupe and Honeydew), among the products imported off

season, and mango and papaya, among the imported tropical fruits, were the major products dri-

ving this trend.

Grapes and melons are now available year round through imports of good quality fruit

during the off-season, mainly from Chile in the case of grapes, and from Mexico and Central

America in the case of melons. The role of imports in boosting consumption of these two pro-

ducts has been widely acknowledged by the U.S. industry. Additionally, melon consumption
has also been impacted by its success in the pre-cut fruit market, where consumer’s desire for

healthy foods that are convenient, has been addressed.

The growth in consumption of mango and papaya is directly linked to the expansion of the

Asian and Hispanic populations in the United States. Increased availability and improved quality of

these fruits have contributed to increasing demand among mainstream consumers too. Nearly all

mangoes and a significant percentage of papayas are supplied from foreign sources. The improved

eating quality and more attractive external appearance of this new variety, along with its incorpora-
tion to the pre-cut fruit category, have been the keys to its increased consumption, despite a much

higher price.

U.S. fresh vegetable consumption trends

In the United States, per capita consumption of fresh vegetables went from 150.64 lbs. in
1980 to 201.72 lbs. in 2004, an annual growth rate of 1.22%. Figure 2.6a illustrates the con-

sumption trend of five of the major fresh vegetables. Head lettuce with 22.50 lbs. per capita

Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas