Fresh produce consumption in the EU is on a worrying downward trend, according to new figures from Freshfel.

The data released by the European trade body in its Freshfel Consumption Monitor shows that after a slight recovery in 2008 compared to 2007, per capita intake of fresh fruit within the union declined again in 2009 by six per cent, and is below the average of the previous five years. Fresh vegetable consumption is 11.7 per cent below the five-year average, although only 0.5 per cent down year on year.

Across the 27 member states, although net supply of fruit stands at 250g a day and that of vegetables at 230g - which is higher than the World Health Organisation’s recommended total of 400g - “too many” member states, including the UK, fall below the threshold,” said Freshfel president Ramon Rey.

He added that its findings show there is much work for the industry to do: “It demonstrates the need for on-going actions within the sector to supply quality and tasty products to consumers.”

The UK figures rely on a five-year average for production volumes rather than a figure for 2009, as this was not available at the time.

Nigel Jenney, Fresh Produce Consortium chief executive, said: “Nevertheless, the statistics reflect the trend that northern Europeans tend to eat historically less fresh produce than Mediterranean consumers.

“There are therefore serious concerns with regard to the health of the nation and the health of the industry that UK consumption figures are not rising.”

Topics