Fruit and vegetables, uncertain consumption in Italy. All is well according to Coldiretti, all is bad according to Ismea-Agroter
The progress of consumption of fruit and vegetable sector in Italy it oscillates between two antithetical news. According to Coldiretti, the sector is growing, Italians have multiplied their consumption fruit and vegetables and are increasingly aware of their health benefits. According to Ismea-Agroter, however, the sector is losing share and a change of direction is needed throughout the entire supply chain.
Two apparently opposite conclusions appear to be based, moreover, on as many statistical findings. The mystery of the data, to follow.
Growing Italian fruit and vegetables, Coldiretti's version
Coldiretti presented a Macfrut 2018 (9-11 May 2018 in Rimini) data that express great optimism. Italian fruit and vegetables would be highly appreciated in the Bel Paese and domestic consumption would have increased by 2.2% in 2017, reaching 8.52 billion kg. A trend also recorded in the first two months of 2018, with +1%. Apples, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes and salads are at the top of the list of the most loved fruit and vegetables. Italians would spend 102.33 euros/month on fruit and vegetables, 23% of their monthly food expenditure.
All good, apparently. The only enemy seems to be locating himself across the border, in North Africa. From there - thanks to the trade agreements stipulated with the EU - comes a flow of fruit and vegetables obtained with low-cost labor and the probable use of pesticides that we ban. Tomatoes, oranges, clementines, strawberries, cucumbers and courgettes from Morocco. Strawberries, table grapes, fennel and artichokes from Egypt. Goods that are much cheaper than Italian ones, as can be seen in the points of sale that respect the duties of information on origin.
According to ColdirettiFurthermore, the North African threat should not cause concern. 88% of Italians, states the trade association, buy only fruit and vegetables Made in Italy, the best in the world, with only 0.6% of samples with irregular chemical residues. Assuming the sellers, also in local markets, allow consumers to make informed choices.
Italian fruit and vegetables declining, the version of Ismea-Agroter
TheFruit and Vegetable Observatory of Ismea-Agroter seems instead to describe another Italy, in the report presented at the ‘Think Fresh – Value at the Center’, May 8, 2018 in Rimini.
The scenario, according to Ismea, is not at all rosy. Italian fruit and vegetable consumption – including fresh-cut and nuts – would remain stagnant, increasing only in summer months. And the first quarter of 2018 would be no exception, also marking a –2,5% in value.
The perceived quality of fruit and vegetables is then questioned, in a survey conducted by Agroter e Toluna on 3,000 people responsible for family grocery shopping. One-third of Italians interviewed judge the taste of fruit and vegetables on the national market today as unsatisfactory. ‘The taste of tomatoes has worsened for 56% of consumers, that of strawberries for 54%, and then apricots (36%), cherries (32%), and melons (29%)’.
Professional journalist since January 1995, she has worked for newspapers (Il Messaggero, Paese Sera, La Stampa) and magazines (NumeroUno, Il Salvagente). Author of journalistic investigations on food, she published the volume 'Reading Labels to Know What We Eat'.
