Grocery unit sales fell across produce, meat and bakery in August amid cyclospora concerns

In August, U.S. grocery unit sales dropped for produce, meat and bakery categories, with produce down 6.7% year over year according to Circana data analyzed by 210 Analytics. The decline highlights a challenge for grocers that rely on fresh perishables to attract shoppers and differentiate from competitors. Shoppers shifted spending to frozen and shelf‑stable alternatives, which posted year‑over‑year gains of 5.6% and 5.7% respectively.

Fresh fruit volume fell 6.1% and fresh vegetable volume slipped 4.2% during the month.

“Produce unit sales declined 6.7% during the month as the recent cyclospora outbreak caused people to think twice about buying salad, leafy greens and other items,” Anne-Marie Roerink, principal of 210 Analytics said.

“August was “a very tough month for grocery retailing,” Anne-Marie Roerink, principal of 210 Analytics said.

Grocery volumes have been declining throughout 2024, and Kroger reduced its full‑year comparable‑sales guidance earlier in August because it expects shoppers to stay wary of buying produce.

What we know

• Produce unit sales declined 6.7% during August.

• Fresh fruit volume declined 6.1% in August.

• Fresh vegetable volume declined 4.2% in August.

• Meat department volume sales declined 2.3% compared to last August, with processed meat down 5.6%.

• Bakery unit sales were 4.3% lower compared to last August.