Television and nature fans the country over are rejoicing this month as David Attenborough makes his return to screens.
The nation’s favourite nonagenarian has released his latest documentary, Our Planet, at a time when public awareness of sustainability is at an all-time high. Issues around waste and pollution are affecting categories across the grocery sector, and fresh produce is no
exception.
It might seem counterintuitive in today’s eco-conscious world, but the intense focus on plastic waste in FMCG – which exploded following 2017’s Blue Planet – is still a relatively new phenomenon.
Sales of loose fruit and veg, which don’t use any plastic packaging, have declined from 27 per cent five years ago to just 22 per cent of the fresh produce sector today.
However, things are beginning to change. With public attention focused on how we can reduce plastic waste, retailers and manufacturers are starting to take stock.
Over the past 12 weeks, sales of loose produce have grown by five per cent in value and volume sales are up four per cent. This growth is visible across the category, but is primarily driven by vegetables, where value sales have increased by nine per cent and volume is up six per cent. Fruit has enjoyed a slightly slower uplift.
This performance is stronger than that of pre-packaged stock, which is up five per cent in value terms but only by one per cent in volume, and while this doesn’t necessarily suggest outperformance, it certainly reflects a significant change when compared with the previous five years.
With consumers buying loose produce more often and in larger quantities, growth is likely to continue.
In the context of reducing waste, being aware of current trends is key. Think about the emphasis younger shoppers put on Instagram-friendly radishes and avocado on toast. As plastic consumption is one of the major public concerns of the day, those who can show they’re being proactive will find it fruitful.
By selling more loose products, and combining them with wonky veg schemes to avoid waste, fresh produce can show it’s in tune with what modern consumers really value.
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