Fresh produce suppliers should not ignore holiday-making Britons’ changing eating-habits. According to research carried out by prepared-produce specialist Geest, consumers return to the UK from foreign holidays with new ideas to change their diet and increase their fresh produce consumption.

Geest’s study was carried out among 1,000 people this summer and found 83 per cent of people change their diet in some way once they get back home.

“As a leading fresh-food supplier, we are always interested in people’s attitudes to eating,” said Geest’s head of marketing Adrian Pickett. “What is encouraging to see is the passion and interest Britons have for their food, wither it be for a Sunday roast or a steaming bowl of Italian-inspired linguine.”

Some 55 per cent of those questioned for the study said they eat more salads, fruit and fresh fruit and almost a third said they eat lighter and simpler meals after a holiday.

Those most open to change are East Anglians with 69 per cent claiming to eat more salads, fruit and fresh foods, 41 per cent eating more barbecue food and 32 per cent eating outdoors.

While the Scots appear to be the most stuck in their ways - almost a third said they do not change their eating habits at all after a summer holiday. Yorkshire folk are the keenest on a good roast and 35 per cent continue with that routine after a holiday compared with just 18 per cent nationally.

“Our recent findings have shown that while Brits embrace the freshness and balance of the Mediterranean diet, there are many traditional eating habits that still prevail,” concluded Pickett.

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