CONSUMER PERCEPTIONS OF QUALITY: APRICOTS, CANTALOUPES, PEACHES, PEARS, STRAWBERRIES, AND TOMATOES

ABSTRACT Consumers are increasing their produce consumption; however, complaints of inconsistent produce quality and improper consumer handling practices could reduce consumer satisfaction with and demand for specific produce items. Seventy to eighty percent of consumers buy cantaloupes, peaches, pears, strawberries and tomatoes at the supermarket; only about half buy apricots at the supermarket. Apricots are not purchased at any location by almost 30% of consumers. Satisfaction with quality is highest for cantaloupes, lowest for tomatoes and apricots. Consumer complaints center around flavor and textural changes which develop in ripening. Both consumer handling practices and fresh product quality contribute to dissatisfaction.