Wholesalers Europe-wide need to exploit the opportunities provided by the food-service sector before it is too late. The warning came from Philippe Henri, chairman of the wholesale and distribution division of Freshfel, the European fresh produce trade association. He was speaking at a meeting of the division in Germany last week and revealed Freshfel figures that show the total European food-service market is worth e18 billion. "Fruit and vegetables represent only a minor percentage of the total food-service market," said Henri. "In order to strengthen the presence of fresh produce within this market and take advantage of its continuous growth, fruit and vegetable traders should adjust to the requirements of the market through the development of innovative products and concepts."
Henri told the meeting that according to Freshfel's research, France accounts for 25 per cent of the European foodservice market followed by the UK on 23 per cent, Italy on 16 per cent and Germany on 12 per cent. "It is important for our industry not to miss the boat and fully exploit the opportunities created by the development of this market."
At the meeting Freshfel's delegate-general Philippe Binard identified business-to-business and business-to-consumer opportunities for fresh produce wholesalers highlighting, private and public sector employee canteens, school meals, hospitals, prisons, retirement homes, restaurant chains, bars, hotels and airline and train operators as key areas for growth.
