Eggplant Prices in the United States from 2020 to 2025

Key Points

• Research suggests eggplant prices in the US varied from about $1.69 to $1.84 per pound between 2020 and 2025, with some yearly fluctuations influenced by inflation and market conditions.

• Prices likely increased gradually, with estimates based on USDA data and CPI trends, though exact figures for some years are estimated due to limited data.

• An unexpected detail is that seasonal variations, such as lower prices in March 2025 at $1.62 per pound, may not reflect annual averages due to eggplant's seasonal nature.

Eggplant Prices Overview

Eggplant prices in the United States from 2020 to 2025 show a gradual increase, with estimates ranging from $1.69 per pound in 2020 to around $1.84 per pound in 2025. These figures are based on available USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) data for specific years and adjusted using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for fruits and vegetables to estimate prices for years without direct data. The prices reflect retail averages, which consumers typically encounter, and account for factors like inflation and supply-demand dynamics.

Price Trends by Year

The following table summarizes the estimated average retail prices per pound for eggplants from 2020 to 2025:

These estimates are derived from USDA ERS data for 2020 and 2022, with interpolation for other years based on CPI changes, acknowledging some uncertainty due to seasonal fluctuations and data gaps.

Factors Influencing Prices

Eggplant prices are influenced by various factors, including weather conditions, supply shortages, and seasonal availability. Eggplants are primarily harvested from June to October in the US, with peak seasons potentially affecting prices. For instance, the current retail price in March 2025 is $1.62 per pound, which may be lower due to off-season supply, but the annual average is estimated higher at $1.84 per pound.

Annual Price Estimates

The following table summarizes the estimated average retail prices per pound for eggplants from 2020 to 2025, adjusted by CPI trends:

Influencing Factors and Market Dynamics

Several factors contributed to the observed price trends. Eggplants, being seasonal vegetables primarily harvested from June to October in the US, experience price fluctuations based on supply availability. Reports indicated that weather-related issues, such as droughts and floods, can impact crop yields, leading to supply shortages and potential price increases. Additionally, global market dynamics, such as import prices, may influence domestic prices, though the analysis focused on retail prices for consumers.

An unexpected detail is the significant seasonal variation in prices. For instance, the AMS retail price report for the week ending March 27, 2025, showed an average retail price of $1.62 per pound, which is lower than the estimated annual average of $1.84 per pound for 2025. This suggests that March prices may reflect off-season supply, with prices potentially higher during peak harvest seasons.

Regional differences also affect prices, with lower transport costs in major producing states like New Jersey, California, and Florida potentially leading to lower prices in those areas. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, eggplant prices in the US from 2020 to 2025 likely ranged from approximately $1.69 to $1.84 per pound, reflecting gradual increases driven by inflation, supply-demand shifts, and seasonal factors.