The Dutch eat more fruit and vegetables

The Dutch have consumed more fresh fruit and vegetables in 2020, according to research by GroentenFruit Huis. This is an increase of 4% compared to 1 year earlier. However, as a result of the corona crisis, the growing trend of the consumption of fruit and vegetables outside the home was brought to an end last year.

Research by GroentenFruit Huis shows that in 2020 households will have purchased 9% more fruit and vegetables. Not surprisingly, in view of the lockdown in the spring, among other things, it is not surprising that consumption in restaurants and via catering companies has fallen by 45%. The pandemic has thus put an end to the positive trend of outdoor consumption of fruit and vegetables. In contrast, indoor consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables increased by 4% last year.

This is also due to the corona crisis. In addition to the fact that we cannot eat out, the Dutch are more concerned about their health due to the virus. It ensures that the demand for fruit and vegetables has increased. Peppers, avocados, oranges and blueberries in particular were sold a lot in 2020. Incidentally, the price of fruit and vegetables was higher than in 2019: +2% and +10% respectively. In addition, more fresh packs were purchased in 2020: +30% compared to 2019. Sales of meal boxes increased by 21%.

Global player in fruit and vegetables
Major strides have also been made on the global market. Sales of fresh fruit and vegetables abroad rose by 6% to €12,9 billion. In particular, Germany (+9% to €4,8 billion) and the United Kingdom (+2% to €1,2 billion) purchase a lot of product from our country. It should be noted, however, that this also includes imported fruit that gains a foothold in Europe via (mainly) the Port of Rotterdam and is resold as a total package together with Dutch fruit and vegetables. On the other hand, exports to distant destinations, such as the United States and Japan, have fallen sharply.

Kimberly Baker

Kimberly Bakker is an all-round editor at Boerenbusiness. She also has an eye for the social media channels of Boerenbusiness.

k.baker @boerenbusiness. Nl

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