Produce prices have fallen 3.9 percent in the latest Food Price Index (FPI) data.
The FPI, which tracks changes in the cost of food from month to month, decreased by 0.4 from August 2023 to September 2023, with the decreasing price of fruit and vegetables contributing the most to the overall monthly fall.
Decreasing prices for fruit and vegetables, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce, contributed the most to the overall monthly fall.
Jerry Prendergast, President of United Fresh, said this was great news for households, many of whom have been under financial pressure this year with the cost of food.
"This will be a welcome relief," said Prendergast.
The announcement also coincided with an increase in the market's volume of leafy green vegetables.
Vegetable growers have reported a noteworthy increase in supply volume of cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower lettuce and leafy greens.
United Fresh's September 2023 International Trend report highlighted the considerable popularity of plant-based meals due to the health benefits of eating vegetables.
"A plant-based diet is one of the more affordable ways to eat. This timely abundance of vegetables on the market and lower costs means easier access for families to make healthier and more affordable meals."
The planting period has been kind to growers. It has been a relatively normal winter, which has allowed strong planting volumes, and those crops are about to come to fruition.
