Belgian consumers increasingly appreciate forgotten vegetables

In Belgium, as in other countries, the health crisis caused the closure of the HoReCa sector, but household demand increased. In particular for vegetables and especially forgotten vegetables which recorded remarkable progress (+ 23% and even + 64%)

 

 

 

According to a Belgian media outlet, BelOrta, the cooperative that brings together hundreds of fruit and vegetable producers, closed the year 2020 with a turnover up 7% compared to 2019. Sales totaled 665 million EUR. units of fresh fruit and vegetables, or 490 million kg.

 

 

 

The most popular Belgian products were cucumbers, red peppers and tomatoes. On the contrary, cauliflower, zucchini and eggplant were less in demand.

 

 

 

But the most remarkable progressions come from the forgotten vegetables. According to the cooperative, Belgian consumers appreciate more and more parsnip, whose production and consumption have increased by more than 23%. Other star products in this category: beetroot (+ 64%) and turnip (+ 45%).

 

 

 

The health crisis seems to have been the revelation for more reasoned consumption, with seasonal and local products.