Mike Neary, Horticulture Sector Manager, Bord Bia – Irish Food Board

Market research by Kantar Worldpanel on the retail fresh produce market shows that there was growth in all the fresh produce categories of the market in value and volume terms in 2015. The retail fresh produce market was valued at €1.29bn which was an increase of 5% on the previous year. All the categories performed well including fruit which was valued at €604m (up 7%); vegetables valued at €681m (up 4%) and potatoes €163m (up 14%). Similarly all the categories also showed an increase in volume sales with potatoes showing the greatest increase (up 6%).

The key driver of this growth was the purchase frequency for each category with all recording more shopper visits to the fixture to buy from each category. This included potatoes showing a 5% increase, vegetables a 2% increase and fruit a 4% increase. In addition a higher average shelf price in the fruit and potato categories also added to the overall value of the fresh produce category during 2015. The consolidation of the retail market for fresh produce continued in 2015 with 93% of the value of the market shared among the five key retailers in 2015.

For more information please contact mike.neary@bordbia.ie