Italy: Fruit, veg surpass meat as top food staple

Fruit has for the first time exceeded meat as the top food staple for Italian families, according to research by the farmers’ association Coldiretti, based on Istat data for the last 15 years.

Italians now spend 23 per cent of the total food budget on fruit and vegetable purchases (€99.50 per month), compared to 22 per cent on meat (€97 per month)

Fruit and vegetable consumption reached a historical high in July, with an increase of 30 per cent compared to last year.

According to Coldiretti president, Roberto Moncalvo, Italy is Europe’s top fruit and vegetable producer with a turnover of €13 billion.

Fruit and vegetable consumption in 2014 amounted to slightly over 130 kg/year, which is equivalent to not more than 360 grams/day, below the levels recommended by the WHO of 400 grams/day.

The top ten preferences for the Italians among fruits are apples, oranges, bananas, watermelons, pears, peaches, clementines, melons, lemons and grapes. The most popular vegetables are potatoes, tomatoes, salads, zucchini, carrots, onions, fennel, aubergines, peppers and beans.

Source: European Supermarket Magazine

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