Spaniards cutting monthly consumption of fresh produce by 2.4 kg 

The downward trend in the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables continues. In total, each Spaniard has eliminated 2.45 kg of these foods from their shopping basket each month, while prices have remained high, often due to the weather.

The per capita consumption of fruits and vegetables in Spain from September 2022 to August 2023 was 127.46 kilograms, 28 kg less than 2021. The data was published in a report for August 2023 by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA).

In total, from September 2022 to August 2023, households reduced purchases of fresh fruits by 5.5% and of fresh vegetables by 4.9%. Falls are particularly noticeable for oranges (-14.6%) and watermelon (-8.2%), both of which have seen high average price rises.

During the past twelve months, most fruits have seen falling demand in volume terms, with the exception of bananas, which registered a 3.2% increase in consumption, apricots (+21.2%) and plums (+14.5%). As for fresh vegetables, the six products analysed in the report have all registered a decrease in purchases, with green beans leading the way (-9.9%), followed by peppers (-7.2%). 

However, in terms of value, purchases were up for most categories, with the exception of lemons (-4.9%).