Sales of Irish fruit and vegetables boosted by British population surge

HEALTHY eating promotions and a population surge in Britain have helped boost cross-channel sales of Irish fruit and vegetables, according to research by Bord Bia.

The Irish food promotion body believes Ireland’s strategy of focusing on the quality end of the market and promoting organic production methods will continue to pay dividends. Industry predictions are that by 2015 the value of retail market for fruit and vegetables will reach £12 billion (€14bn).

Bord Bia horticulture expert Michal Slawski said: “Over €100 million worth of Irish mushrooms annually are exported to the UK, so it is interesting to look at the fruit and vegetable category as a whole to see what the trends are.