You can download the full press release in PDF form by clicking here.
Freshfel Europe has released the latest edition of the Freshfel Consumption Monitor which analyses the production, trade and consumption trends in the EU28. The analysis of the latest available data (up to 2012) shows that the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables in the EU28 stands at 386.96 g/capita/day in 2012. This is a decrease of 8.2% compared with 2011 and a decrease of 8.7% compared with the average of the years 2007-2011. It means that consumption in the EU28 remains under the level recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) of 400 g of fresh produce per day. Out of the 28 member states of the European Union, 18 are below the level recommended by the WHO.
Per capita fruit consumption in the EU28 in 2012 stands at 167.62 g/capita/day. This is 11.8% less than in 2011 and 14.2% less than the average of the years 2007-2011. Per capita vegetable consumption in 2012 stands at 219.33 g/capita/day, meaning a decrease of 5.3% compared with 2011 and of 4.0% compared with the average of the previous five years.
While EU production and imports of fruit and vegetables have decreased compared with 2011, exports continued to grow by 17% for fruit and by 8% for vegetables. When compared with the period from 2007-2011, fruit exports grew by 39% and vegetable exports by 20%. Non-EU countries more and more compensate for the drop in EU consumption.
Philippe Binard, General Delegate of Freshfel, commented: “The Consumption Monitor shows that fresh fruit and vegetable consumption in the EU has further declined in 2012. The low consumption makes it urgent to do more to stimulate fresh fruit and vegetable consumption. The European Union has just decided to increase the budget for the school fruit scheme from 90 to 150 million EUR, and the budget for EU promotion measures – much of which goes to fruit and vegetables – from 60 million EUR to 200 million EUR in 2020. This should provide more favourable conditions for promotion measures that emphasise the fun, taste and healthy aspects associated with fresh fruit and vegetables. On its part, Freshfel remains active to foster a positive and efficient framework for generic promotion of fresh fruit and vegetable consumption under the guidance of the Freshfel Promotion, Communication and Image Committee. It also maintains dedicated websites such as ENJOY FRESH (www.enjoyfresh.eu) and KIDS ENJOY FRESH (www.kidsenjoyfresh.eu) and keeps them updated for the general public.”
The Consumption Monitor is free of charge for Freshfel members. Non-members can order the Monitor here at a rate of 500 EUR.
You can download the full press release in PDF form by clicking here.
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Note to the Editors:
Freshfel Europe is the European Fresh Produce Association, representing the interests of the fresh fruit and vegetables supply chain in Europe and beyond. Freshfel Europe currently has over 200 members, including both companies and associations. For more information, contact the association at info@freshfel.org or visit the association website www.freshfel.org.