Pictured were David Keeling, Keeling’s, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney and Jane McCorkell, garden designer enjoying seasonal strawberries in the Gold Medal winning garden ‘Love to Grow’ at the recent Bloom in the Park festival.
According to a new Kantar report, there was a 33% increase in the retail value of strawberry sales to consumers in the 25-34 year old category in the last 12 months compared to the previous year, to reach €8 million. These figures were released today for National Strawberry Week, which takes place until Sunday, 9th June. Total retail sales of strawberries in Ireland are currently worth €51.7 million.
Mike Neary, Manager of Horticulture, Bord Bia commented “The growth in consumption by this age group is important, as younger consumers tend to eat less fruit and vegetables than the 35’s and over, which was a worrying trend for future sales. Strawberries are an increasingly popular choice among consumers as a tasty, low calorie, convenient snack.”
National Strawberry Week, organised by the Irish Soft Fruit Growers Association in conjunction with Bord Bia and the IFA, aims to encourage consumers to enjoy more strawberries as the summer season approaches and Irish crops are at peak production. National Strawberry Week is a consumer information campaign which includes primary school activities and an interactive website that includes delicious seasonal recipe suggestions.
Gary McCarthy, Irish Soft Fruit Growers Association, added “Fresh fruit and vegetables are a vital part of a healthy diet. As with all fruit and vegetables, they are best consumed when they are in season, and the Best in Season promotion through www.bestinseason.ie tells you when is the best time of year for peak taste and ripeness. The cold start to the year means the crop is a little later, but slow grown and sweeter than ever.”
Strawberries are an ideal healthy treat, low in calories and provide the perfect way to get one of the five recommended portions of fruit and vegetables a day. A nutrient packed fruit, they are filled with antioxidants giving the body a natural wellness boost. Strawberries are naturally high in fibre, vitamin C and potassium; help maintain a healthy heart and can aid memory function. Visit www.bestinseason.ie to see strawberry themed recipes created for National Strawberry Week.
Source: HortiTrends News Room
