Health kick sees Irish spend €1bn on fruit and veg

IRISH shoppers have spent almost €1 billion on fruit and vegetables in the last year.

Bord Bia yesterday revealed that as more consumers opt for healthier diets, the consumer spend on fresh produce in retail outlets is now equivalent to 13% of the country’s total grocery market. Sales increased more than 5% to €996.75 million in 2005.

Fresh fruit, which accounts for 46% of the fresh produce market, has made the most significant gain, up more than 8% on the previous year.

Bord Bia chief executive Aidan Cotter unveiled the figures at the presentation of its national horticulture quality awards in Dublin.

Food Minister Brendan Smith said the horticulture sector is one of the most dynamic in the agri-food industry with the capacity for substantial growth and development.

“Under the 2015 action plan, we will endeavour to further invigorate the sector with a range of measures not least of which is substantial funding under the new national development plan,” he said.

Quality Award winners for 2005 are: John B Dockrell, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford (field vegetables), Glen Fruits, Dungarvan, Co Waterford (fruit), Slievebloom Mushrooms, Tullamore, Co Offaly (mushrooms), Kilbush Nurseries, Rush, Co Dublin (protected fruit crops) and Eden Brand Potatoes, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford (potatoes).

Some 35 growers received special category national and regional quality awards for the achievement of exceptional standards.

Preparers and packers of fresh produce were also presented with quality award certificates.