Europeans increasingly eat less fruit and veg
The graph below indicates that we have been eating increasingly less fruit and vegetables since 2009. Even though the line is fluctuating, studies show that only 5% of the Dutch population follows the old advice of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to consume 200 grams of vegetables and two pieces of fruit per day. Bearing this in mind, the new WHO norm of consuming at least 400 grams of fruit and vegetables per day will never be met, which is why the Netherlands Nutrition Centre does not even communicate this recent advice.
How is it possible that our consumption of fresh fruit and veg decreases, while the study by GfK shows that our expenses on groceries keep increasing? Baby boomers and young families spend the most, whereas Millennials have a tighter budget. But if we keep eating less fruit and veg, what do we spend our money on? Every target group has its own shopping habits. Baby boomers choose specialist shops for example and Millennials prefer buying at organic stores.
Healthy trends such as ‘meatless Monday’, a vegan lifestyle and eating less sugar, carbs, gluten and dairy should have a positive effect on a plant based diet. So, we are aware of the health benefits of fresh fruit and vegetables, but why does our daily intake decreases? Various media such as food blogs, magazines and television programmes provide the inspiration we need, to have a go at preparing healthy dishes. Even if this proves too much, we could choose from a growing number of cafés and restaurants which focus on fresh produce; think of salad bars, vegan cafés and health-conscious takeaways. Supermarkets too, are expanding their range with fresh salads and other healthy convenience products.
For more information:
Prominent
Wim van den Berg
+31 (0)6 5756 4346
w.vandenberg@doorpartners.nl
www.prominent-tomatoes.nl