National Strawberry Week
According to a new Kantar report, there was a 19% increase in the retail volume of strawberry sales to in the last 12 months compared to the previous year, to reach 7.7 million kgs. These figures were released today for National Strawberry Week, which takes place from the 6th to the 12th of June. Total retail sales of strawberries in Ireland are currently worth €74.3 million.
The growth in consumption is fantastic news for the industry, and a reward for the hard work made to grow the category. Strawberries are an increasingly popular choice among consumers as a tasty, low calorie, convenient snack.
National Strawberry Week, organised by the Irish Soft Fruit Growers Association in conjunction with Bord Bia and the IFA, aims to encourage consumers to enjoy more strawberries as the summer season approaches and Irish crops are at peak production. National Strawberry Week is a consumer information campaign which includes an on pack competition, primary school activities and an interactive website that includes delicious seasonal recipe suggestions.
Gary McCarthy, Irish Soft Fruit Growers Association, added “Fresh fruit and vegetables are a vital part of a healthy diet. The cold start to the year means the strawberry crop is a little later, but slow grown and sweeter than ever. We expect the Irish crop this year to total 7700 tonnes, in an industry that employs over a 1000 people.”
Strawberries are an ideal healthy treat, low in calories and provide the perfect way to get one of the five recommended portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Strawberries are naturally high in vitamin C. Visit bestinseason.ie to see strawberry themed recipes created for National Strawberry Week.
