Consumers spend more on fresh produce
It has also revealed that in terms of retail sales, purchases of fruit, vegetables and potatoes are valued at €738 million annually, second only to dairy produce at €855 million.
The trends were outlined as Superquinn in Castletroy, Limerick, was named as the national winner of the Bord Glas Fruit and Vegetable Retail Display Awards 2002.
Minister of State Noel Treacy said the improvements in the quality and presentation of Irish produce over the past decade have been very substantial.
He said fresh produce retail sales of €738 million breaks down into vegetable sales of €298 million, potato sales of 144 million and fruit sales of €296 million.
On average, households spend €582 annually on fresh produce. In terms of frequency of purchase, they buy fresh produce 135 times per annum.
Multiples account for 76% of fresh produce retail sales, symbol outlets for 6%, greengrocers for 10% and other outlets for 8%. Discounters share of the market is 2.1% and growing.
Bord Glas chief executive Michael Maloney said competition in this year's awards was very strong.
"Bord Glas consumer research indicates the most important factors for consumers when shopping for fruit and vegetables are freshness, variety, appearance, display and quality. Through our quality programme, we ensure fresh produce reaches retailers in top quality condition and with the Retail Display Awards, we continue this work with retailers to ensure the display of fruit and vegetables in-store is of the highest possible standard so that shoppers are enticed to buy more," he said.
The award winners were:
National: Superquinn, Dublin Road, Castletroy, Co Limerick.
Regional: Superquinn, Main Street, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, Powersbury Ltd, T/A SuperValu, Dungloe, Co Donegal, Superquinn, Castletroy, Tesco, Navan Shopping Centre, Navan, Co Meath, Country Fresh, Shop Street, Westport, Co Mayo.
Size Category Winners. 0-5,000 sq ft J and S Gillan Ltd, T/A Londis, Summerhill, Co Meath. 5,000-10,000 sq ft Murphy Stores (Berehaven) Ltd, T/A SuperValu, The Bridge, Castletownbere, Co Cork. 10,000-20,000 sq ft Superquinn, Pavillon Shopping Centre, Swords, Co Dublin.
