Bell Pepper Prices in the United States from 2020 to 2025

Key Points

• Research suggests bell pepper prices in the US from 2020 to 2025 have varied, with estimates based on available data.

• The evidence leans toward average retail prices per pound increasing from about $1.60 in 2020 to around $1.85 in 2025, adjusted for inflation.

• Prices may differ by region and season, with wholesale prices typically lower, around $0.50–$1.00 per pound in some years.

Bell Pepper Prices Overview

Bell peppers are a staple vegetable in the US, and their prices have shown a gradual increase over the years due to inflation and market dynamics. Based on data from the USDA, the average retail price per pound was around $1.60 in 2020 and is estimated to have risen to about $1.85 by March 2025, reflecting inflationary trends. These prices can vary by region, with higher costs in urban areas and during off-seasons when imports from Mexico, a major supplier, are more significant.

Seasonal and Regional Variations

Prices often fluctuate seasonally, with higher costs in early spring and late fall due to lower domestic supply. For example, in 2022, wholesale prices ranged from $0.50 to $1.00 per pound, depending on the region and variety (green, red, yellow). Retail prices at stores like Walmart have been observed at around $2.00 per pound in recent years, showing a markup from wholesale.

Unexpected Detail: Import Influence

An interesting aspect is the heavy reliance on imports, especially from Mexico, which increased by 69% between 2008–10 and 2018–20, affecting price stability and availability year-round.

Background and Context

Bell peppers, cultivated for both fresh and processed markets, are a significant vegetable crop in the US, with major production in California, Florida, and Georgia. According to A Review of Bell Pepper Production and Price Trends from 2010 to 2022, these states account for a large share of production, but the US also relies heavily on imports, particularly from Mexico, to meet demand. This reliance influences both wholesale and retail prices, with seasonal and regional variations playing a key role.

Given the current date, March 24, 2025, data for 2025 is incomplete, and estimates are provided based on trends and early-year figures.

Data Sources and Methodology

The primary sources for price data include the USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS) and Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), as well as reports from the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center. The ERS provides average retail prices for fruits and vegetables for specific years (2013, 2016, 2020, 2022), as noted in Fruit and Vegetable Prices. For years without direct data, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for fruits and vegetables from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) was used to adjust prices, leveraging the FRED series Consumer Price Index for Fruits and Vegetables.

Estimated Average Retail Prices

The following table presents the estimated average retail prices per pound for bell peppers from 2020 to 2025, derived from the above methodology:

These prices reflect a general upward trend, driven by inflation and potentially by increased import costs, as noted in Bell pepper price and market trends in the US: 2023 analysis.

Supporting Data and Observations

• 2020 Data: The ERS data indicates an average retail price of $1.60 per pound, aligning with market reports from the period, and supported by Bell and Chili Peppers noting a crop value of $479 million for production, suggesting a price per pound consistent with this estimate.

• 2021 Data: Wholesale prices from various reports show week 4 at around $0.50–$0.75 per pound, suggesting retail prices around $1.63 after CPI adjustment, consistent with inflation trends.

• 2022 Data: ERS data shows $1.68 per pound, supported by AMS reports like Daily USDA Prices for Fresh Produce, with wholesale prices reaching $1.00 per pound in some markets, indicating retail markup.

• 2023-2024 Estimates: CPI adjustments show gradual increases, with 2023 at $1.73 and 2024 at $1.79, reflecting ongoing inflation in food prices.

• 2025 Estimate: Based on early 2025 CPI data, estimated at $1.85, acknowledging it's partial-year data and subject to change.

Wholesale and Retail Price Discrepancy

Wholesale prices, as seen in market reports, ranged from $0.50 to $1.00 per pound in 2022, depending on the region and variety (green, red, yellow). Retail prices, observed at specific retailers like Walmart with $2.00 for 1 pound, show a markup, reflecting additional costs for distribution and retail margins.

Influencing Factors

• Imports: The US imports significant volumes, with Bell pepper price and market trends in the US: 2023 analysis noting a 69% increase in bell pepper imports from Mexico between 2008–10 and 2018–20, affecting prices.

• Seasonality: Prices tend to be higher at the beginning of spring and end of the year, as per the blog, due to lower domestic supply mid-year.

• Inflation: The CPI for fruits and vegetables, as per Consumer Price Index for Fruits and Vegetables, shows a 3.0% increase from January 2024 to January 2025, impacting price trends.

• Regional Variations: Retail prices vary, with examples like US Foods reporting steady markets in early 2025, reflecting local supply and demand dynamics.

Unexpected Detail: Import Influence

An interesting observation is the heavy reliance on imports, especially from Mexico, which increased by 69% between 2008–10 and 2018–20, as per Bell pepper price and market trends in the US: 2023 analysis. This reliance helps stabilize prices year-round but can lead to price spikes during import disruptions.

Conclusion

In summary, bell pepper prices in the US from 2020 to 2025 show an upward trend, estimated at $1.60 per pound in 2020, rising to $1.85 in 2025 (up to March). These estimates are based on ERS data for 2020 and 2022, adjusted by BLS CPI for other years, acknowledging data limitations. Wholesale prices, influenced by imports and seasonality, typically range from $0.50 to $1.00 per pound, while retail prices reflect additional markups and regional differences. Given the current date, March 24, 2025, the 2025 price is an estimate and may adjust as the year progresses.