Record levels of fruit and vegetable sales in Ireland

The health situation seems to have led to a change in the eating habits of the Irish who increased their purchases of vegetables by + 18% and their purchases of fruit by + 6%.

 

 

 

According to BWG Foods (owner and operator of retail brands SPAR, EUROSPAR, Londis, MACE and XL) which has a network of more than 1,000 stores in Ireland, sales of fruit and vegetables have reached record levels during the past year. In the 1st quarter 2021, vegetable sales increased by 18% and fruit sales increased by 6% compared to the same period of 2020.

 

 

 

As regards vegetables, sales increased by + 17% for peppers, + 15% for potatoes and + 26% for carrots. The best performance comes from asparagus, which recorded + 138% at the end of the period studied.

 

 

 

As far as fruit is concerned, bananas remain the most purchased fruit but the best growth rates come from strawberries with + 25% and especially mandarins with + 65%.

 

 

 

“A year after the first nationwide lockdown, we continue to see the impact of the pandemic on the way people shop. Our data shows Irish shoppers focused on healthier choices throughout Q1 of the year, creating a surge in demand for fresh fruit and vegetables, "commented John Moane, Commercial Director of BWG Foods.