New research commissioned by the Australian Fresh Produce Alliance (AFPA) has found that Australian families are focused on the hit to the hip pocket from food waste.
Research participants estimated that they are throwing away 5-10% of their fresh produce purchases weekly. This is at a time when only 5.4% of Australian’s are eating the recommended intake of fresh fruit and vegetables.
The AFPA recently commissioned an in-home study of 38 households across different life stages, incomes and ethnicities to better understand the relationship between fresh produce packaging, food waste and recycling in the home.
“What this study has demonstrated is that consumers who particularly live in the outer suburbs and have young families are looking for ways to reduce the financial burden of food waste in their households and that they need better advice on how to do this” said Michael Rogers, CEO, AFPA.
The research identifies three key themes of meal planning, convenience formats, and storage and use of fresh fruit and vegetables.
“A really key finding of this research is that the greater the level of meal planning undertaken by a household, the greater their reduction in food waste. This can save Australian families money every week and farmers and retailers can support this through seasonal meal ideas and meal plans which use all of the weekly fruit and vegetables purchased” said Mr Rogers.
This consumer research was undertaken as in-home interviews, which provided an opportunity to observe consumers fridges, pantries, kitchens and bins. The findings indicate that despite most consumers expressing a desire to reduce packaging, packaged produce was observed in the majority of fridges and kitchens.
“We’re seeing Australian families utilise packaged product for the benefit of portion control and keeping product fresher for longer. This ensures that consumers have the maximum amount of time available to use fresh produce which is an overwhelming positive. Keeping product as fresh as possible is critical in both reducing food waste and ensuring Australian’s are able to access quality, fresh and nutritious fresh produce” said Mr Rogers.
“Ultimately, the goal for the fresh produce supply chain should be to work with Australian families to reduce the financial and environmental burden of food waste, while increasing access to fresh fruit and vegetables for the overall health of Australians,” said Mr Rogers.
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For m
ore information:
Michael Rogers, CEO
Australian Fresh Produce Alliance
Tel.: +61 0409 648 911