FRESH-CUT FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
Item
Title
FRESH-CUT FRUITS
AND VEGETABLES
AND VEGETABLES
Description
Fresh-cut fruits and vegetables are a relatively new and rapidly developing segment
of the fresh produce industry. Fresh-cut products have been freshly cut, washed,
packaged, and maintained with refrigeration. They are in a raw state and even though
minimally processed, they remain in a fresh state, ready to eat or cook. The International Fresh-cut Produce Association (IFPA) defines fresh-cut products as fruits or
vegetables that have been trimmed and/or peeled and/or cut into 100% usable product
that is bagged or prepackaged to offer consumers high nutrition, convenience, and
flavor while still maintaining its freshness. Industry estimates in the U.S. indicate that
fresh-cut sales of approximately $11 billion in 2000 account for over 10% of the total
fresh fruit and vegetable market, with food service sales making up 60% of the total.
Sales are projected to increase by 10–15% annually for the next five years.
of the fresh produce industry. Fresh-cut products have been freshly cut, washed,
packaged, and maintained with refrigeration. They are in a raw state and even though
minimally processed, they remain in a fresh state, ready to eat or cook. The International Fresh-cut Produce Association (IFPA) defines fresh-cut products as fruits or
vegetables that have been trimmed and/or peeled and/or cut into 100% usable product
that is bagged or prepackaged to offer consumers high nutrition, convenience, and
flavor while still maintaining its freshness. Industry estimates in the U.S. indicate that
fresh-cut sales of approximately $11 billion in 2000 account for over 10% of the total
fresh fruit and vegetable market, with food service sales making up 60% of the total.
Sales are projected to increase by 10–15% annually for the next five years.