Netherlands-based fresh produce marketer The Greenery has responded to reports on Dutch radio suggesting that the country is spending more money on sweets and snacks by publishing the findings of new research into consumer habits, which apparently show growth in purchases of snack vegetables greatly exceeded that in the confectionery market over the past four years.
"In 2012, a total of more than 27m snack vegetables were sold in Dutch supermarkets," a spokesperson for The Greenery said, quoting figures compiled by SymphonyIRI Group. "From 2009 to 2012, sales of snack vegetables grew by 337 per cent, while the growth of candy in the past five years increased by only 16 per cent."
According to the company, the popularity of snack tomatoes among consumers in the Netherlands has risen dramatically over the past few years, making up 92 per cent of all snack vegetable sales in the country.
Last year, the Dutch market for snack tomatoes was worth a report €25m. "Snack tomatoes sold in bags of 200g and 250g saw growth from 2m units in 2009 to 10m units in 2012," the spokesperson continued. "Snack tomatoes packaged in 500g tubs were also introduced in 2011, and in one year sales of these packs amounted to 1.7m units."
The Greenery said demand for snack cucumbers, meanwhile, remained stable, while sales of mini peppers had increased significantly following a slight dip in 2011.
"Snack tomatoes, cucumbers and mini peppers contain many good nutrients," the spokesperson added, "coming as they do in handy takeaway containers that fit perfectly into a healthy diet."
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