Japanese fruit consumption fell in April to its lowest level for the period in 11 years, according to government figures.
The ministry of internal affairs and communication’s statistics bureau found average per household fruit intake fell to 5.52kg that month, from 5.92kg the prior year period, and 6.73kg in 2001.
Average household expenditure on fruit, meanwhile, dropped to ¥2,316, down from ¥2,320 the prior-year period, and ¥2,863 in April 2001. April 2011 fruit prices were normal for the time of year.
“Expenditure and consumption for fresh fruits in April 2011 was generally slow and sluggish,” said Junichi Moriya, president of Tokyo Seika Trading Co – one of Japan’s largest fruit and vegetable importers, commenting on the government figures. “We are now analysing what influence the disaster on March 11 had on fresh fruit spending.”
Grapefruit and kiwifruit demand was significantly down, according to the findings. Per household intake for both fruits fell to their lowest level in 11 and six years respectively.
April’s banana and orange sales fared better, however, with per household consumption average for the time of year.
But according to Japanese marketing and consulting firm Yamano & Associates market report, Japanese fruit imports rose 8.8 per cent in April 2011 over the prior-year period.
Californian orange imports were up 16.6 per cent, and Philippine pineapple imports jumped 8.9 per cent, its report said.
Mango imports also performed well, with overall volumes from the Philippines, Thailand and Mexico increasing by 9.7 per cent in April 2011 over the previous year.
However, avocado imports from Mexico fell 14.4 per cent that month, due to a price rise; papaya imports from the Philippines and Hawaii dropped almost 20 per cent; US grapefruit imports fell by 13.8 per cent; Californian lemon imports dropped 5.2 per cent due to sluggish demand from the food service sector and rain-affected fruit; And banana imports from the Philippines slipped 0.9 per cent below the prior year period.
