A new monthly survey that aims to rank Australia's 10 most purchased vegetables has found that carrots were the most commonly bought last month.
According to the survey of over 800 consumers, which is being conducted on behalf of the vegetable industry, carrots led the pack in August, having been bought by 94 per cent of respondents, followed by tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, capsicum, white onion, cabbage and zucchini.
“This consumer research provides valuable insights to the Australian vegetable industry that will assist growers in understanding consumer’s preferences over a three-year period,” said Andrew White, the manager of industry development and communications at AUSVEG, a horticulture body representing 9,000 vegetable and potato growers.
“Insights not only include which vegetables are being purchased the most, but also what the triggers and barriers to purchase are and how these might be overcome in order to see growth in purchasing,” White said.
He said the survey has showed that the health benefits associated with carrots was a major purchasing trigger, followed by ease of preparation.
“There exists an opportunity for the vegetable industry to assist consumers in expanding their repertoire. Vegetables are a healthy and versatile ingredient easily incorporated into most recipes, however, in many cases, knowledge of their potential as an ingredient is lacking,” White said.
According to ABARES, carrot production has risen from 264 kilotonnes in 2008-09 to a projected figure of 322 kilotonnes in 2013-14. They are also Australia’s biggest vegetable export.
The tracker study has been funded by HAL using the National Vegetable Levy and matched funds from the Australian Government.
Carrots were the most commonly bought veggie last month in Australia according to a new monthly survey.
