Minimally processed vegetables in Argentina's supermarkets

Prior to the Argentine social and economic crisis of 2001, the percentage distribution in sales of fruits and vegetables at the national level was 70:30 in traditional shops and supermarkets, while in town centers around 55:45, respectively. Today, these values would be maintained even after the temporary fall in the participation of the sale in supermarkets. In 2000, minimally processed vegetables in the supermarkets reached levels of participation almost 10% on the total turnover of fruits and vegetables sector and after the crisis decreased approximately to 5%. The aim of this study was determine the general trend of the market and supply of minimally processed vegetables to detect the consumer preferences. Fifty-eight branchs by supermarket chains located in the Federal Capital and Buenos Aires surroundings were sampled. The products were selected considering historical sales and supermarket shelf areas. Presentation, weight per unit, sale price, sale volumen and brands were recorded. The participation of minimally processed vegetables on total sales of fruits and vegetables in supermarkets reached at 8.86%. Sixty one percent of the sales are assembled in 15% of the best placed branchs (highest purchasing power of the consumers), 85% of this branchs were located in the north of the Capital Federal and Buenos Aires surroundings.