UK: Red cabbage in big demand

According to one of the UK's biggest organic veg growers, demand for red cabbage grew 48.9% last year, compared to the previous year.

Produce World Group, attribute this to UK consumers recognising the high nutritional value of the veg and making it a part of their meals all year-round – not just at Christmas.

The UK harvest for winter cabbages like red cabbage is November to March and the 2013/14 season has been good.

Red cabbage is considered to be the most nutritious of the cabbage family, with it having ten times more vitamin A and twice as much iron as traditional green cabbage.

These findings were announced as part of National Cabbage Day (17th February), with Produce World keen to highlight the multiple benefits of cabbages and the different varieties that UK consumers can use as part of their weekly meals.

The nutritional value of all cabbages makes them a great choice for health-conscious consumers, with the vegetable being very low in fat and calories. It is also an excellent source of the natural antioxidant, vitamin C, and vitamin K, all of which have cancer fighting qualities.

Andrew Burgess, Agricultural Director at Produce World, said: “Cabbages have been a part of a staple diet of many UK households for years due its’ nutritional value and versatility as a vegetable. From quick Chinese stir-fries to your typical Sunday roast, cabbages are the ideal vegetables for any meal or occasion. Luckily the UK has the ideal growing conditions to grow the best cabbages in the world, with Produce World providing enough for nearly half a million UK consumers each year!”

In general, cabbages are posting strong volume growth. New varieties of cabbage like Pointed Sweetheart helped pointed/ crispy cabbage achieve a volume growth of 30 per cent, while old favourites like white cabbage and savoy cabbage posted 15.2 per cent and 7.2 per cent volume growth respectively.

For more information
Produce World
Tel: 0044 1223 272800
www.produceworld.co.uk