U.S. foodservice business in April plunged because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which apparently contributed to a steep fall in U.S. fruit and vegetable imports.
U.S. imports of fresh vegetables in April were $770.2 million, down 25 percent from March and off 6.5percent from April 2019, according to the USDA..
Imports of fruit (both fresh and frozen) in April were $1.27 billion, off 23 percent from March and down 17 percent from April 2019.
By commodity, imports of U.S. fresh produce in April, with percent change from April 2019, were:
- Berries (excluding strawberries: $284.9 million, up 3 percent;
- Bananas: $216 million, no change;
- Avocados: $191 million, down 41 percent;
- Tomatoes: $185 million, down 13 percent;
- Peppers: $150 million, down 8 percent;
- Grapes: $145 million, down 20 percent;
- Strawberries: $118 million, no change;
- Melons: $86 million, down 31 percent;
- Cucumbers: $78 million, up 3 percent;
- Pineapples: $50 million, down 25 percent; and
- Mangoes: $48 million, down 17 percent.