UK consumers are buying more organic vegetables than ever, according to the UK's largest organic veg producer.
Compared to the end of 2013, the volume per buyer (kg) of organic vegetables increased by 6.7 per cent in 2014, Produce World has claimed.
Organic broccoli has proved to be the star performer with an increase of 19.9 per cent. Organic carrots have also done well this year, with consumer purchases increasing by 5.6 per cent, while all organic root vegetables were up five per cent overall.
This increase in demand for organic vegetables means it promises to be one of the busiest Christmases yet for Produce World.
In order to deal with the surge in demand during Christmas, Produce World employees will be working around the clock on double-shifts on the fields and in the factories to ensure supply keeps up with demand.
In the week before Christmas, Produce World will harvest 950,000 kilos of sprouts, and distribute five times the amount of parsnips across the UK compared to the average week.
Andrew Burgess, agricultural director at Produce World, said: “Christmas is definitely our busiest period, with Produce World colleagues working tirelessly to make sure the UK public get their favourite seasonal veg.
'However, the recent growth in demand for organic vegetables during 2014 means we will be working harder than ever during the festive period, as we are the biggest suppliers of fresh organic vegetables in the UK retail market. This is great news for people across the UK, with more being able to eat what we consider to be the highest quality veg – a vital part of the traditional Christmas dinner.”
A privately-owned business, Produce World was founded by the Burgess family in 1898.
