Bagged and fresh cut salads, tomatoes and mushrooms sell for up to five times more than loose produce in Australian retailers, according to a new report from peak industry body Ausveg.
Varying portion sizes, promotion of new varieties and pre-preparation were the drivers behind the difference in retail prices, according to Ausveg’s Hugh Tobin.
“The price difference indicates that certain vegetable products like mushrooms, tomatoes and pre-packed salads have attracted significantly higher retail value by offering extra value to consumers through variable portion sizes and packaging options,” Mr Tobin said.
“Understanding the vegetable market and the drivers behind consumer behaviour are important factors for vegetable growers in making business decisions about new product development options and value adding,” he stated.
Mushrooms were one example put forward in the report, selling pre-packaged at around A$20 per kg, as compared to A$3.50 for the overall fresh vegetable categories.
The report, VEGINSIGHTS: The Market Q4 2009, is the first quarterly report released by the body as part of the Consumers and Markets sub-program of the Vegetable Industry Development Program (VIDP).
Ausveg members can download a copy of the report from the Ausveg Grower Portal.
