If it’s a tomato, it’s in a tin
We’re mad about our fruit and veg but...
IRISH people are among the best in the planet when it comes to getting their five-a-day – but it mostly comes in a tin!
A new study reveals that Ireland is the fifth biggest consumer of ‘processed’ fruit and veg in the world.
The Euromonitor report reveals Irish people forked out €49 per person last year on tinned, canned, frozen, packet and other types of processed fruit and veg – up more than 6% in the last five years.
New Zealand is top of the table, followed by Switzerland, Belgium and Sweden when it comes to eating processed fruit and veg.
The study also revealed that baked beans are still one of Irish consumers’ favourite foods, as well as tinned tomatoes.
‘They value their tradition and love the convenience and practicality of the product,’ said the report of Ireland’s love of baked beans.
The authors revealed that shelf tomatoes were among the most ‘dynamic’ vegetables with sales growing by 3% to €14m.
The amount of beans the Irish consume rose by 15% in the last five years from just over €38m to €43.6m in 2018. This would include the old-fashioned staple baked beans, along with chickpea and kidney beans which have grown more popular with the vegan trend. ‘Irish consumers are not afraid to experiment with new textures and flavours and try to incorporate more fruit and vegetables into their diets,’ said the Euromonitor analyst.
And, thankfully, frozen is no less better for you than fresh. A study by the University of California in 2015 found no consistent differences between fresh and frozen when they compared eight different fruits and vegetables which included corn, carrots, broccoli, spinach, peas, green beans, strawberries, and blueberries. The Euromonitor report said: ‘There has been positive publicity on frozen fruit and vegetables, stating that they are still rich in nutrients and good for healthy diets.’
With veganism becoming an increasingly popular trend, the study revealed we are upping our consumption of five-a-day steadily every year. ‘The increasing importance of health and wellness among consumers positively influences sales of processed fruit and vegetables,’ said the study. ‘Veganism and health and wellness are the key trends influencing sales of processed fruit and vegetables.’
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s revelation that he was cutting back on eating red meat to reduce his carbon footprint caused controversy in recent weeks, while a paper released by international health experts recommended reducing meat to protect the planet.
The Euromonitor report stated that these environmental concerns are set to increase fruit and veg sales along with the desire for a healthy lifestyle. ‘Increasing concerns around animal welfare and products’ sustainability are becoming more popular among Irish consumers. These trends are also expected to drive sales of processed fruit and vegetables.’
‘Consumers are not afraid to experiment’