Fruits and Vegetables in EU: 2020 Trends in Consumption Report by Freshfel Europe

In a press release dated January 11, 2021, Freshfel Europe announced the publication of its 2020 Consumption Monitor on the trends in production, trade, and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in the European Union (EU). According to the analysis, consumption reached 363.76g per capita per day in 2018, an increase of 4% compared to 2017. This increase reflects the efforts made by the industry.

Over a longer period, 2013-2017, daily per capita consumption of fruits and vegetables showed an increase of 5.1%, breaking the previously stable trend. This is largely due to an increase in fruit consumption (+9.5%), offsetting a slight overall decrease in vegetable consumption. This overall resurgence coincides with the intense efforts of the industry to raise awareness about the importance of eating fruits and vegetables. According to Philippe Binard, General Delegate of Freshfel Europe, "the results of the 2020 publication are very encouraging and clearly show that the intense efforts of the industry to increase consumption above the WHO recommended minimum of 400g per capita per day are being rewarded."

While continuing to observe the stabilization of this recovery, we must study this new consumption gap between fruits and vegetables," he added. "The fresh fruits and vegetables sector must capitalize on the fact that 2021 is the United Nations International Year of Fruits and Vegetables. It is essential to continue to focus on the important role of fresh products in a balanced, healthy, and sustainable diet in order to maintain and stimulate this positive consumption trend." To order the 2020 Freshfel Europe Consumption Monitor on the trends in the EU fruits and vegetables sector, send an email to g.kaufman@freshfel.org or info@freshfel.org.

* Freshfel Europe Consumption Monitor 2020