Freshfel Europe has released the newest edition of its 'Freshfel Consumption Monitor', analysing trends in the production, trade and supply of fresh fruits and vegetables across the European Union.
This report is described by the association as a unique and homogeneous source of information on fresh fruit and vegetable trends, and is also part of the actions undertaken by Freshfel in the framework of the EU Platform for Action on Diet, Physical Activity and Health.
After a slight recovery in 2008 compared with 2007, per-capita fresh fruit consumption within the EU-27 declined again in 2009 by 6 per cent, remaining below the average of the previous five years. Fresh vegetable consumption declined marginally by 0.5 per cent compared with 2008, remaining clearly below the average of the last five years by 11.7 per cent.
The 2010 'Fresh fruit and vegetable production, trade, supply & consumption monitor in the EU-27' is the eight edition of the report, covering the period from 2004 to 2009. The monitor identifies a number of EU-wide trends on production, import and export and includes specific information on fresh fruit and vegetable net supply and consumption trends on aggregate basis for the EU-27, as well as for all its Member States specifically.
Findings from the 2010 'Consumption Monitor show that in 2009 the total net supply of fruit per capita stands at 250.2 g/day, while the vegetable total net supply per capita stands at 229.5 g/day. On an aggregate EU-27 basis, this figure is higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) 400 g/day minimum recommendation, but below that threshold in too many Member States.
'Although consumption data should only be understood as a trend indication, rather than the precise amount of fresh produce really consumed by the population, on average the trend indicators in the monitor confirm that around half of EU Member States remain below or just above the 400 grams a day minimum recommendation of the WHO,' said Philippe Binard, general delegate at Freshfel. 'Besides the overall declining trends, it also shows that important efforts remain to be made in order to bring consumption up to satisfactory and healthy levels across all EU Member States.'
The Consumption Monitor constitutes an important instrument for both public and private stakeholders, according to Ramon Rey, Freshfel's president.
'The monitor contains an impressive source of information on trends in the EU-27 Member States and also identifies consolidated EU trends,' he explained. 'It is a unique report and a valuable tool for companies in the fresh produce sector and public sector alike.
'The report also clearly demonstrates the need for on-going actions within the sector to supply quality and tasty products to consumers,' Mr Rey added. 'It is also underlining the responsibility of public authorities to further support the sector by public health campaigns to lead consumers towards a healthier diet. Freshfel will also continue its efforts in the coming weeks to value the assets of fresh produce both to public authorities and consumers.'
