U.S. exports led by apples, grapes and berries

Fresh apples, grapes and berries were the top performing commodities among U.S. fresh produce exports in 2012.

Apples were the leading export commodity among U.S. fresh fruits and vegetables, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture trade statistics.

U.S. apple exports to all countries in 2012 totaled $1.07 billion, up 14% from 2011 and 30% higher than 2010. Fresh apple export sales to Mexico totaled $284 million, up 43% from 2011 and 31% higher than 2010. Meanwhile, the USDA said that fresh apple exports to Canada in 2012 were $190 million, 40% more than 2011 and 29% above 2010 sales.

Grapes were the second ranked export commodity for the U.S. in terms of value, according to the USDA.

Total U.S. fresh grape exports in 2012 totaled $799.7 million, up 11% from 2011 and 26% above 2010. Exports of grapes to Canada were $219.6 million, up 11% from a 2011 and 18% higher than 2010. Exports of grapes to Mexico $76.6 million, up 18% from 2011 and more than double 2010 exports, according to the USDA.

Berries were the third-ranked U.S. fresh produce export, with $717.8 million on total sales in 2012, up 11% from 2011 and 25% higher than 2010. Canada was the biggest market for U.S. fresh berries, accounting for $592.4 million in U.S. berry purchases in 2012, up 9% from 2011 and 25% higher than two years ago. Export sales of berries to Mexico totaled $16.7 million in 2012, up 22% from a year ago and 31% above two years ago.