Nine in 10 (89%) consumers think that vegetables are good value for money, research shows.
Recent research by Bord Bia has revealed that 90% of consumers claim that they like to support local fruit and vegetable growers.
Also, eight in 10 (79%) believe locally grown vegetables are of higher quality and seven in 10 (74%) believe they are worth paying more for.
The research findings are timely as Irish growers welcome the arrival of new-season potatoes and field vegetables, which are now in plentiful supply in spite of difficult planting conditions in March and April of this year.
Commenting on the research, Lorcan Bourke, sector manager for Fresh Produce and Potatoes, in Bord Bia, said, "It has certainly been a really difficult year for Irish vegetable growers who have been faced with unpredictable weather such as heavy rains earlier in the year, followed by periods of drought this past month and rising input costs.
"However Irish people can expect ample supply of fresh locally grown new season ‘Queens’ potatoes and field-grown vegetables on shelves from this month, as growers welcome the new season crops.
"It is really heartening to see such a great appetite to support local growers and our aim now is to try to convert this into action by encouraging grocery shoppers to seek local.”
Support Local Growers
Bord Bia is encouraging consumers to support local growers by purchasing fresh, local, in-season fruit and vegetables and to actively checking on-pack information and labels such as the Bord Bia Quality Mark to ensure it is locally grown.
Vegetables currently in season and readily available in Ireland during July include: New Season ‘Queens’ Potatoes; Cabbage, Broccoli, Carrots, Scallions, Courgettes, Cauliflower, Swedes, Parsnips, Beetroot, Pak Choi, Chilli Peppers, Kale, Spinach, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Rhubarb, Bramley Apples, Strawberries and Raspberries.
Read More: Bord Bia Celebrates 10 Years Of Trade Breakfast At Bloom
© 2023 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more fresh news, click here. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
