France: Fruit and veg prices falling
The average price of fruit dropped 12% compared to last year, while the price of vegetables has fallen 3%, according to the study by Familles Rurales, published in La Croix.
Last year, farmers in France endured a miserable spring, which forced prices up, but generally favourable growing conditions in early spring and summer 2014 have led to an increase in production and falling prices.
Only peppers have risen in price this year, while the cost of apples, melons, peach, courgette, salad vegetables, and pears have dropped 20% on average, the study found.
The cost of 1kg of fruit is, on average, €3.34 this year, compared to €3.78 in 2013; meanwhile, the cost of 1kg of vegetables has dropped from €2.21 to €2.15.
Familles Rurales said that, last month, more than 75% of fruit and vegetables available in superstores were of French origin. The figure in markets was closer to 80%.
The falling cost extends to organic produce, the study said, with prices falling 14% on average for fruit and 11% for vegetables. The total cost of buying organic remains much higher, however - with prices on average 66% more for fruit, and 58% for vegetables.
Source: connexionfrance.com
