Nearly uniform prices of fresh produce products in US retail chains and implications

Abstract

This study provides evidence that retail prices of US fresh produce (fruits and vegetables) and fresh meat products are similar across stores within the same chain even though unique characteristics of fresh produce products might lend to more localization in pricing. The results show the median price difference of fresh produce is 5% within-chain stores compared to 20% between-chain stores. Furthermore, the results show no significant differences in fresh produce prices between-chain stores that serve areas of differing food access nor significant differences in chain prices between Metropolitan Statistical Areas with implications to federal nutrition programs.