The health crisis has favored a considerable increase in the consumption of Fruits & Vegetables

In Spain, the health crisis resulted in a considerable increase in the consumption of Fruits & Vegetables. Increase reaching + 75% for certain product categories.

 

 

 

Consumption data published by the Ministry of Agriculture, since the state of alert declared on March 14, reflects a continued growth in demand for fresh fruits and vegetables.

 

 

 

The latest data, for the 9th week of confinement, from May 11 to 17, show a 34% increase in the consumption of vegetables and potatoes and 16.5% for fresh fruit, compared to the same week last year.

 

 

 

Over the whole of March compared with the same month in 2019, demand for fresh vegetables and potatoes increased by 18.6%. Green beans (+ 13.4%), cabbage (+ 18.7%) and tomatoes (+ 11.6%) experienced significant growth. As regards fruit, 8.8% increase in volume. In March increases for oranges (10.4%), mandarins (19.6%) and lemons (27.3%) as well as for apples (12.0%) and pears (11.0%) .

 

 

 

During the 3rd week of confinement (from March 30 to April 5) the consumption of fresh vegetables and potatoes increased by 31.2% compared to the same week of the previous year and that of fruits by 23 , 1%. During the week of April 6 to 12, fresh vegetables and potatoes increased 44.5%. In the following week, fresh vegetables and potatoes stood out with 75% more than in the same week the previous year. In the last week of April, consumption of fruit increased by 27.3% and that of fresh vegetables by 32.1%.

 

 

 

In May, during the first week, consumption of fruits and vegetables increased by 36.6% and 44% compared to the same week in 2019. The following week increased by 37% for vegetables and by 26% for fruit.

 

 

 

The evolution of demand has therefore been very positive for the majority of fruit and vegetables; the sector expects this trend to continue after the health crisis. Consumers having realized that fruits and vegetables are essential elements of their diet for better health.