A strong U.S. economy in 2000 boosted away from home food demand as people traveled and ate out more. This was especially important for seafood, as a large percentage of seafood is consumed at restaurants. Per capita consumption is expected to reach 258.2 eggs in 2001, down slightly from 2000. Growth in milk output is expected to ease slightly in 2001, after consumer demand outstripped supplies in 1998 and 1999. Markets for dairy products have changed substantially in recent years.
Retail sales are no longer the main outlet for most dairy products.
Large shares of ice cream and fluid cream sales go to retail channels other than grocery stores. Fresh fruits . Fresh vegetables . A combination of reduced winter acreage, in the first quarter of 2001 and several bouts of sub-freezing weather in Florida has reduced supplies of fresh market vegetables and raised vegetable prices. Vegetables affected by the freeze include green peppers, snap beans, squash, eggplant, tomatoes, and cucumbers.