According to a new Kantar report, there was a 14% increase in the retail value of strawberry sales to consumers in the 35-44 year old category in the last 12 months compared to the previous year, to reach €8 million. These figures were released today for National Strawberry Week, which took place in the first week of June. Total annual retail sales of strawberries in Ireland are currently worth €54.7 million.
Mike Neary, Manager of Horticulture, Bord Bia commented “The growth in consumption by this age group is important, as they often tend to have young children, which sets the industry up well for the future. Strawberries are an increasingly popular choice among consumers as a tasty, low calorie, convenient snack.”
Berries in general have enjoyed very healthy growth, with strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries showing 20% growth in both value and volume in the last 2 years. With a total retail value of €133 million per year, berries are now the biggest fruit sector by value, bigger than apples, bananas or citrus.
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 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 5000 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 also naturally high in vitamin C. Visit www.bestinseason.ie to see strawberry themed recipes created for National Strawberry Week.
Source: BordBia – Strawberries are Cream of the Crop for 35 -45’s
