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Fruit and vegetable consumption in Spain falls more than the European average
Spain
Saturday 15 June 2024
VU
Fruit and vegetable consumption in Spain has fallen by more than 13% in recent years, outstripping the EU average of around 5%, says Philippe Binard of the European Fresh Produce Association (Freshfel).(photo: fepex.es)
Fruit and vegetable consumption in Spain has fallen by more than 13% in recent years, exceeding the EU average of around 5%, says Philippe Binard of the European Fresh Produce Association (Freshfel).
The study "Consumption trends: fresh fruit and vegetables" also anticipates that the decline in consumption will continue in 2024, although partially offset by an increase in value of between 4 and 6%. Consumers, influenced by prices, will opt for more affordable options, mainly affecting organic products. In addition, a reduction in the size of purchases per visit is expected, albeit with more frequent visits and an increase in online sales.
The Spanish association of manufacturers and distributors (AECOC) has highlighted the regulatory pressure on companies in the sector, such as the Royal Decree on Packaging, which limits the sale of fruit and vegetables in trays of less than 1.5kg, promoting bulk sales. José María Bonmatí, Director General of AECOC, stresses the need for collaboration and reflection on these regulations and has asked for an extension of the VAT reduction, which ends on 30th June, to avoid an impact on inflation.
In the field of irrigation, Juan Valero de Palma, president of the National Federation of Irrigation Communities of Spain (Fenacore), stressed in his speech the importance of sustainable management of water resources. He stressed that irrigation contributes to the fixation of the rural population, the generation of employment, the improvement of the quality of life and the prevention of erosion and desertification. Valero emphasised that the future of irrigation depends on sustainability and efficiency in the use of water, land, energy and fertilisers.
fuente: aenverde.es
