In The Long Run

Fruit Availability on the Rise

From 1970 to 2005, the total amount of fruit (fresh and processed) available for consumption in the U.S. increased 14 percent, from 242 pounds per person to 275 pounds per person. Fresh fruit accounted for 80 percent of this 33-pound increase. Within the fresh fruit category, berries, melons, and “other fruit” increased in availability. Bananas, grapes, and pineapples contributed the largest increases in the other fruit category. During the same period, availability of fresh citrus declined from 29 pounds per person to 22 pounds per person.