Official figures published last month raised some interesting questions about consumption of fruit and vegetables.

The Family Food Expenditure 2004-2005 report said that “quantities of fruit and vegetables purchased for the household show no statistically significant change since 2001-2002”. The report puts forward a figure of 2.274kg per person per week for the amount of fruit and vegetables purchased for UK households in 2004-2005 - an increase of 0.2 per cent from 2003-2004. This seems to be in conflict with TNS information published in the new Re:fresh Directory that the total market volume for fresh fruit and vegetables showed a 4.9 per cent increase from 2004 to 2005, not to mention in conflict with the generally buoyant mood on show at last month’s Re:fresh conference.

There are no easy answers when comparing two sets of statistics, especially when they are not measuring the same thing. The government’s family food expenditure report measures household expenditure per individual and covers both fresh and processed fruit and vegetables, including fruit juice.

The TNS data relates to total market volume of fresh fruit and vegetables. While a welcome sign of a healthy market, the TNS figure indicates an increase in fresh produce purchases of only 13g per person per day between 2004 and 2005, a sixth of a portion.

These figures do nothing but underline the opportunity for the industry. A management board has now been formed with senior executives from leading companies across the industry to take the FPC-instigated Eat in Colour promotional campaign proposal forward. We urge you to support it.

RESEARCH PROJECT TO SUPPORT AFRICAN GROWERS

A project backed by the Department for International Development will look at the barriers for small-scale fruit and vegetable producers in Africa wishing to exploit market opportunities in Europe. The project researchers want input from companies throughout the supply chain - but they particularly wish to contact importers and wholesalers.

If you would like to take part in this research, please contact the FPC for further information.