Nonproduce

Nonproduce is a retail and inventory term used to distinguish items that are not fresh fruits, vegetables, and other horticultural crops (collectively known as produce). In grocery, supermarket, and farmer's market contexts, nonproduce refers broadly to packaged, canned, frozen, refrigerated, baked, prepared, and dry goods as well as meat, dairy, and beverages. The term helps organize merchandising, pricing, stocking, and accounting by separating perishable fresh produce from other product categories.

Retailers and supply chain managers use the produce/nonproduce distinction to set storage requirements, shelf life expectations, and ordering cycles. Produce typically requires specialized handling, humidity and temperature control, and more frequent restocking, while nonproduce items may follow faster-moving consumer goods logistics, longer shelf lives, and different supplier relationships. Point-of-sale systems, category management, and inventory reports commonly reflect this division.

From a consumer perspective, nonproduce includes processed foods, packaged ingredients, and household items that complement fresh produce in meal preparation. Regulatory frameworks addressing food safety, labeling, and nutrition often apply differently to fresh produce and processed or packaged nonproduce, leading to distinct compliance and monitoring practices.

Related concepts include perishables vs nonperishables, grocery departments, and food supply chain management. The term may appear with or without a hyphen (non-produce or nonproduce) depending on style guides.