Watercress Prices in the United States from 2020 to 2025

Key Points

• Research suggests watercress prices in the US varied from 2020 to 2025, with retail prices likely ranging from about $3.00 to $4.50 per pound, based on available data and trends.

• It seems likely that prices increased gradually, influenced by inflation and market demand, but exact figures for each year are hard to find.

• The evidence leans toward prices being higher in recent years, with some uncertainty for 2024 and 2025 due to limited data.

Background and Market Context

Watercress, a leafy green vegetable often used in salads and as a garnish, is cultivated in the US, with significant production in states like California and Florida. The US market for watercress involves both domestic production and imports, with prices influenced by supply chain conditions, inflation, and consumer demand. The period from 2020 to 2025 has seen fluctuations driven by economic factors, including inflation rates and changes in food consumption patterns, particularly during and post-COVID-19.

Estimated Price Ranges and Trends

Research suggests that watercress prices in the US varied from 2020 to 2025, with retail prices likely ranging from about $3.00 to $4.50 per pound, based on available data and trends. It seems likely that prices increased gradually, influenced by inflation and market demand, but exact figures for each year are hard to find due to limited specific data for watercress.

Methodology and Assumptions

To estimate these prices, we used the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for fruits and vegetables from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS CPI), assuming a base price of $3.00 per pound in 2020 and adjusting for annual CPI changes. However, exact prices may vary by region and market conditions.

Based on available market reports and trends, the following table provides an estimated range for watercress prices per pound in the US from 2020 to 2025:

Market Dynamics and Influencing Factors

The US watercress market experienced mixed dynamics from 2020 to 2025, influenced by inflation, supply chain disruptions, and consumer demand. The CPI data indicated general price increases for fruits and vegetables, with fresh vegetable prices predicted to increase by 0.1% in 2025 according to the USDA ERS Food Price Outlook. This trend likely affected watercress prices, given its classification as a fresh vegetable.

Additionally, reports from platforms like Selinawamucii.com provided current price ranges for October 2024 (e.g., retail price range between $3.29 and $4.61 per pound), suggesting a continuation of upward trends. However, historical data for earlier years was sparse, with sources like Tridge indicating no US-specific data for watercress, focusing instead on global trends.

Comparison with Similar Products

To estimate watercress prices, comparisons were made with similar leafy greens like spinach, where ERS data and market reports provided some historical prices. For instance, spinach prices in 2020 were referenced in reports like Spinach Market Analysis, suggesting retail prices around $2.80 per pound, which was used as a proxy to estimate watercress prices given their similar market positioning.

Conclusion

In summary, watercress prices in the US from 2020 to 2025 likely ranged from $3.00 to $4.50 per pound, with gradual increases driven by inflation and market demand. These estimates are based on available ERS data, CPI adjustments, and comparisons with similar products, acknowledging uncertainty due to limited specific data.