Carrot Prices in the United States from 2020 to 2025

2020: Pandemic Disruptions

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic shook supply chains, but carrot production held steady due to domestic dominance (mostly California, over 85% of U.S. supply). The USDA reports fresh carrot yields at 3.4 billion pounds from 69,700 acres, with an average farmgate price of around $27.50 per cwt (hundredweight, or 100 pounds), translating to roughly $0.275 per pound wholesale. Retail prices varied widely by region and outlet, but consumer data suggests fresh carrots averaged $0.70–$1.00 per pound in grocery stores, with spikes during early lockdowns due to demand for shelf-stable produce. Import prices from Mexico and Canada (key suppliers) stayed stable at $1.15 per kilogram ($0.52 per pound), per Tridge data, despite a slight dip in export volumes.

2021: Stabilization and Slight Uptick

By 2021, supply chains normalized, though rising fuel and labor costs nudged prices upward. The USDA’s Economic Research Service notes a 4.8% increase in food-at-home prices, which likely included carrots. Wholesale prices climbed to about $28–$30 per cwt ($0.28–$0.30 per pound), reflecting higher production expenses. Retail prices for fresh carrots averaged $0.80–$1.10 per pound, with baby carrots (a premium product) closer to $1.50–$2.00 per pound. The import price remained steady at $1.15 per kilogram, but domestic production drop (due to lower HoReCa demand) led to a 7% market value slump to $1.8 billion, per IndexBox.

2022: Inflation Surge

Inflation soared in 2022, with food-at-home prices up 11.4% per the USDA. Carrot wholesale prices jumped significantly—Tridge reported a 40% year-over-year increase, from $1.03 per kilogram ($0.47 per pound) in May 2021 to $1.45 per kilogram ($0.66 per pound) in May 2022. USDA data shows farmgate prices hitting $31.90 per cwt ($0.319 per pound). Retail prices followed, averaging $1.00–$1.25 per pound for fresh carrots, with some markets reporting $2.12 per pound. This spike tied to inflation, supply shortages, and higher input costs (fertilizer, packaging, fuel), as noted by Grimmway’s CEO in Forbes.

2023: Peak Prices

In 2023, carrot prices peaked alongside broader vegetable trends. The USDA reports a per-unit price for fresh and processing carrots at $62.10 per cwt ($0.621 per pound) at the farm level—a sharp rise from $18 per cwt in 2018—driven by tight supplies and sustained demand. Wholesale prices stabilized at $1.45–$1.60 per kilogram ($0.66–$0.73 per pound), per Tridge and IndexBox. Retail prices for fresh carrots ranged from $1.10–$1.50 per pound, with baby carrots at $2.00–$2.50 per pound. Production value hit $1.82 billion (Statista), up 160% since 2017, despite water disputes in California’s Cuyama Valley affecting Big Carrot firms like Bolthouse and Grimmway.

2024: Moderation with Persistent Pressure

In 2024, food-at-home prices rose 3.3% per the USDA Food Price Outlook, with carrots likely tracking or slightly exceeding this due to weather-related yield issues (e.g., storms in California). Wholesale prices held at $1.50–$1.70 per kilogram ($0.68–$0.77 per pound), reflecting ongoing cost pressures. Retail prices settled at $1.20–$1.60 per pound for fresh carrots, per US Foods Farmer’s Report, with some California markets reporting a dip to $1.00 per pound amid moderate supply. The market value grew to $2.2 billion (IndexBox), up 9.2% from 2022, signaling robust demand despite price hikes.

2025: Current Snapshot

As of March 12, 2025, carrot prices show slight seasonal increases post-holidays, per the USDA Food Price Outlook (February 2025). Wholesale prices are around $1.60–$1.80 per kilogram ($0.73–$0.82 per pound), driven by steady supply from California and imports. Retail prices for fresh carrots range from $1.25–$1.75 per pound. The USDA predicts a 3.3% annual rise for food-at-home prices in 2025, suggesting carrots could hit $1.30–$1.80 per pound retail by year-end if trends hold.

Key Influences and Caveats

• Supply: California’s dominance and water disputes (e.g., Cuyama Valley boycott) impact availability. Imports from Mexico (75% of total) buffer shortages.

• Inflation: 2022–2023 saw the sharpest rises; 2024–2025 show moderation but above pre-2020 levels.

• Data Limits: Exact carrot prices rely on sporadic USDA, Tridge, and retail snapshots. Estimates interpolate broader vegetable trends.

• Variability: Prices differ by region, season, and type (fresh vs. baby). Organic carrots or specialty stores may exceed these ranges.

Wholesale ($/lb)

Retail Fresh ($/lb)