Lower prices for tomatoes, potatoes, and apples — three of the four most popular fruits and vegetables sold in America — are helping to hold down food price inflation, according to a government forecast. The USDA’s monthly Food Price Outlook estimated that fruit and vegetable prices will rise by 1 percent this year, down from the previous estimate of 1.75 percent.
Overall, the USDA expects food prices will rise by a modest 1.5 percent this year, making 2018 the third year in a row of below-normal food inflation. Over the past 20 years, food prices have increased by an average of 2.4 percent annually.
Apple prices fell by 1.3 percent, tomatoes by 3.1 percent, and potatoes by 2.2 percent during March. “Factors such as a strong U.S. dollar, stable oil prices, and seasonal availability have placed downward pressure on retail fresh produce prices,” said USDA economists.
Bananas, apples, tomatoes, and potatoes are the four most popular fruits and vegetables in U.S. grocery stores, says the Produce Marketing Association. Nearly 10 cents of the food dollar is spent on fruits and vegetables.