Fruits and Vegetables
The UK is the 1st export destination for French fruits
France is the leading supplier of the eating apple market
3rd Producer and Exporter of fruit and vegetables in Europe
A Demanding Market
The total production of British fruit and vegetables fell by 30% between 1996 and 2006. Self-sufficiency in vegetables dropped from 80% to 51% however self-sufficiency in fruit grew from 9% to 11%. Over all the UK is becoming more and more dependent on its imports. The tonnage of fruit increased from 1 million tons to 3.5 million tons in 2006. The tonnage in vegetables almost doubled during the same period to reach 1.9 million tons.
A Potential For Growth
In 2006 the UK market capacity for fresh fruit and vegetables was 8,157,000 tons. Since 1996 it has risen from 1.2 million tons or16.8%, however there is still potential for a significant increase if consumption targets are to be met. If the whole British population ate the recommended 5 daily portions, then consumption would meet around 8.8 million tons, as opposed to less than 8.2 million tons in 2006.
The market is dominated by a growing desire amongst consumers to eat a more balanced and healthy diet. There have been a number of government initiatives put in place such as: Healthy School Status, the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme, 5 a Day, and Eat in Colour. Each one is contributing to British consumer increasing their consumption and a raise in awareness.
As well as providing health benefits, the fruit and vegetable market has other areas with potential for growth. As consumers become more and more adventurous in their food choices and demand new tastes and textures, opportunities for innovation and new products launches are numerous. ‘Exotic’ no longer necessarily signifies being from a far off destination, but can simply mean products where the country of region of origin is put to the fore. There is also a market trend for practical packaging and pre-prepared foodstuffs, particularly for vegetables.
Quality is a Priority
Increasing the quality of fruit and vegetables is one of the priorities for French professionals at all points along the supply chain. These goals are implemented by: putting in place different quality controls; the development of good production practices (sustainable farming); traceability; production of healthy produce and protecting the environment.
Professionals at all points along the supply chain are conscious of the need to improve the quality of the offer by putting in place producer agreements covering: labelling, conditioning, grading etc or by individual initiatives such as melon producers who now discard all fruit which didn’t have an adequate sugar level for the market when taking into account cold storage temperatures and the freshness of the product.
A Diversified Offer
With the evolution in eating practices, French fruit and vegetable producers are aware of this on going trend and are diversifying so they can meet the demands of all consumers.
- A wide variety: apple producers are now offering more than 15 different varieties e.g. scented, gourmet, rustic…
- Different regions: la pomme du Limousin, le raisin Chasselas du Moissac, la noix du Périgord…
- Innovation: ready made salads and mini vegetables…
More than 226,000 tons of fruit and 292,000 tons of French vegetables were exported in 2007 to the United Kingdom.
Apples, apricots, kiwis, asparagus, carrots, onions… To find out more about the French export offer visit interfel.com/fr/pdf-anglais
Sources : SCEES, Ubifrance