Big increase in fresh produce expenditure

AS varied as their eating habits may be, from curry to fish and chips, the British have never scored brownie points on fresh fruit consumption, an omission that seems to be reversing itself as part of a world move toward greater well-being. More crispy, crunchy bites in shopping bags hold greater possibilities for all in the fruit business, a fact of which Martin Dunnett, Capespan UK’s trading director, is all too keenly aware. If the Brits are indeed intent on downing more fruit, it holds promise for SA growers and their counterparts all over the world, given that 45% of the six billion tonnes of fresh produce consumed in the UK each year relates to fresh fruit. Dunnett observes that fresh produce expenditure in that neck of the woods has increased by a whopping £330 million to £8.4bn over the past year, despite trying economic times. More specifically, fruit consumption is up 5%, leading him to conclude it augurs well for Capespan. “If this is the case in a strained economy, imagine what can be done when we emerge from the recession.” Convinced the upswing is not a passing phase but rather an upward trend, he notes salads are performing well (4% up on price with a stable volume), bananas (up 5% up on price with a stable volume) and grapes (up 10% on price with a stable volume). The UK’s per capita fruit consumption currently amounts to 100gr a day, significantly less than the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of 400gr of fruit (and vegetables) a day, as a counter to cardiovascular and other diseases. That means the Brits consume less than half that of European counterparts in Germany and Holland and as much as five times less than those in southern European countries such as France, Spain and Italy. Despite a strong swing to locally (UK) produced products, for seasonal fruit, South Africa’s apples, citrus and grape exports have not been adversely affected. Annual sales of South African fruit shipped to the UK stand at around 300 000 tonnes across pome and stone fruit, citrus and grapes, avocados/exotics (lychees etc.), representing an additional 20 000 tonnes. Locally (UK) produced apples have increased significantly in recent years, intensifying more than ever before pressure on Capespan UK to clear its South African apple stock on time. The emphasis on seasonality represents “excitement and a big selling point”, provided product is the best on offer, holds Dunnett. “For sure, the importing role in any market is becoming tougher by the day but Capespan UK has held its ground, a solid performance serving to encourage producers the world over.” As to ethical trade (refer FTW September 4), Dunnett does not agree with Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum CEO, Stuart Symington, that South Africa is being unfairly singled out by British supermarkets over its apartheid legacy by enforcing audited farming practices. But he nevertheless believes when it boils down to opportunity to deliver against the demands of the market, South Africa remains the preferred and logical source for Europe’s southern hemisphere fruit requirements, a rise-to-the challenge nurtured over the years.