Consumer demand for convenience is growing in the fresh produce sector, with research showing that having vegetables ready for use is one of the three most important factors for Australian shoppers.
More than forty per cent of Australian consumers consider it important to see on-pack claims that their fresh vegetables are washed and cleaned ready for use, according to data taken from the latest Project Harvest report commissioned by Horticulture Innovation Australia.
Australian consumers were also found to value packaging claims that stated vegetable products were “fresher for longer” and “Australian grown”.
“There are many Australians who want to buy fresh vegetables that are quick, easy and convenient, and the Australian vegetable industry is working hard to increase its range of product formats that satisfy these needs,” said AUSVEG spokesperson Jarrod Strauch.
“In particular, pre-prepared and pre-packaged product formats – such as celery sticks that have been cut and washed already, or bags of washed mixed salad – are becoming increasingly common.”
