The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in much of the world being under lockdown or quarantine, and people are focused on stocking up on essentials as they prepare to be stuck at home for weeks. Empty aisles and long queues in front of Costco have become familiar sights. In the midst of this, retail sales have gone up, and fresh produce in particular has seen a big spike.

Data shared by Nielsen and IRI show that total produce sales increased by more than one-third compared to the same period last year, with fruits gaining 27% and vegetables 41% during this time. The study shows that fresh produce sales have increased around the world with yams, potatoes, avocadoes, mandarins and oranges witnessing the biggest demand. Lemons, the known antioxidant hero, are simply flying off the shelves.

All fruits and vegetables that have longer shelf lives are up more than 200%. Highly perishable items are experiencing fewer sales since shoppers understandably do not want to waste resources. Frozen fruits and vegetables are in demand as well, as the uncertainty of the lockdown has driven shoppers to stock up on anything that will last for weeks. According to the Nielsen report, the frozen vegetable sales grew 68.9% in the week ending March 14, while the latter saw a 73.2% increase.

With the number of confirmed cases growing precipitously and social distancing measures tightening, people are going back to the basics of home cooking, healthy snacking, and conservation. The lockdown has brought about school and office closures, and all family members under one roof at all times. This means more interest in food to beat the boredom. It is no wonder the stock-up mindset drove shoppers berserk.

Along with the frightening nature of the virus, awareness to eat healthily and build immunity has surged up as well. For example, a CNN article details the best immunity building diet for the coronavirus, which includes a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Fresh produce sales have soared elsewhere in the world as well. But panic buying has also led to a spike in prices in many places like Australia and Spain. With demand outstripping supply, even relatively controlled markets like Australia are witnessing chaos. As people stay home, order less takeout and cook more, demand for fresh produce will continue to grow.

Authorities are working with industry stalwarts to ensure that citizens get their steady supply of fresh produce. At the same time, they are focused on supporting the businesses that can deliver on these demands without crippling the supply chain system.

In the U.K., which gets most of its produce from Spain and Italy, food service is facing quite a disruption. Leading food policy experts are pointing out how panic buying could lead to scarcity as well as food wastage.

It also means that the elderly and the less fortunate may go without essentials. Fresh produce, which is most dependent on timely deliveries, is maybe most affected and needs an immediate, controlled supply to meet the surging demand. Citizens are thus urging the U.K. government to enact rationing to prevent food shortages exacerbating the crisis.

Earlier in March, United Fresh’s Fresh Insights for Foodservice report stated that the growing importance of fresh produce could be felt even in the fast-food sector. The increasing trends of healthy eating and choosing clean and local produce have led to a paradigm shift in fast-food culture. Plant-based fast food and the use of fresh fruits for unique, gourmet flavors are creating a starring role for fresh produce in the industry. Now, with the surge of demand with the coronavirus pandemic, it seems the fresh produce market will see a steep growth curve soon.