“Significant drop in consumption, in a context of overall price stability”

Following the publication of the Price Observatory of mass consumption by the Familles Rurales Association reporting a price increase on fruit and vegetables (+9% in two years), Interfel wishes to bring some clarifications and reminds us that the current situation is favorable for consumers: fruit and vegetable prices are stable, and there is plenty of supply.

Interfel recalls that it supports the request from the consumer association regarding the implementation of a fresh produce voucher for the most vulnerable.

In 2021, the price of fruit and vegetables stabilized
Interfel would like to shed light on the figures reported by Familles Rurales, namely the 9% price increase for fruit and vegetables from 2019 to 2021. Despite the higher production costs (energy, packaging) and the difficulties related to climate change, the price of fruit and vegetables were almost stable from 2020 to 2021 (+0.7%), compared to the +7.6% increase from 2019 to 2020. The INSEE indices, although slightly different from the Kantar figures, also show a significant decrease in the fruit and vegetable price growth compared to last year (2021 vs. 2020).

Significant drop in consumption, in a context of overall price stability for fresh fruit and vegetables
The consumption of fruit and vegetables is suffering from an overall complicated climate with a change in eating habits due to the crisis. We note a decrease in household consumption (-3.7%) from 2020 to 2021. While the lockdowns had been particularly favorable for “home cooking” and the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables, this trend is now losing steam (“Cook fatigue” phenomenon).

Yet, fruit and vegetable prices are particularly attractive for consumers at the moment! Retail prices are really accessible for consumers (-16%/2021 for endives, -21%/2021 for leeks and -8%/2021 for carrots), and the quality is good too, we are at the heart of the season. The sector therefore advises consumers to buy fruit and vegetables now!

Food voucher: Interfel supports the request from Familles Rurales for “healthy and sustainable baskets”
The consumption of fruit and vegetables is a matter of public health. Underprivileged populations must, beyond the PNNS objectives, be able to have access to the same consumption choices as the rest of the population. Fresh produce vouchers will target the most vulnerable families, more precisely the 5.800.000 people already benefiting from the energy voucher. This way, Interfel supports Familles Rurales which is asking the French government to devote financial aid on these products in the shortest time possible.