Farmer's Weekly (South Africa)
EU fresh-produce demand not yet recovered
Consumer spending on fresh produce has increased in the EU over the past year, although pre-COVID-19 sales levels have yet to be achieved.
Findings in Fruit Logistica’s European Statistics Handbook, published in February, noted that a further increase in the sale of fresh fruit and vegetables was not expected this year.
“Preliminary results from various European countries indicate a stagnation or slight dip in sale quantities.
“In 2021, old challenges linked to the COVID-19 pandemic were joined by new ones, specifically price increases and a lack of raw materials and logistics services. Out-of-home consumption recovered to a certain extent in the EU last year, but did not return to its previous level,” the research report stated.
South Africa had, however, continued to see an annual increase in exports to the EU, although markets in the Far East were starting to present more promise.
“Our fresh-produce exports have remained stable over the past decade, with small increases every year. While this remains an important market for us, making up 24% of fresh produce exports, the higher demand from Asia makes this our fastest-growing market,” Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at Agbiz, said.
He noted that South Africa’s fresh-produce exports were increasing both in value and volume, as the avocado, citrus and blueberry industries continued to grow. Of all fruit exported to the EU, bananas, oranges and pineapples made up the largest proportion, while tomatoes, onions and peppers dominated the vegetable category. Fruit showing the highest growth rate in terms of imports were blueberries, raspberries and avocados.
Germany remained the largest importer of fruit and vegetables in the EU.
While logistical constraints in exporting produce were a thorn in the side of both exporters and importers, the handbook noted that limited and expensive transport capacity did not yet have an extensive impact on foreign trade in fruit and vegetables.