Several studies indicate that fruit consumption has decreased by 25% in the last decade, especially among young people.
As several media outlets have reported in recent weeks, fruit consumption in Spain has declined in recent years, especially among young people aged 20 and over. The latest food consumption report from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA), which analyzes data from 2023, indicates that fruit consumption in Spain has decreased by approximately 25% over the last decade.
This decline in fruit consumption is impacting the national fruit and vegetable sector and the health of citizens. According to some industry professionals, this continued drop exacerbates the imbalances between supply and demand, as well as market crises in the sector.
Various sectors are calling for actions to promote fruit consumption , both for its health benefits and to encourage and support professionals in the sector.
Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption is the first step towards a balanced diet. Experts believe that promoting their intake in children and adolescents is key to maintaining good eating habits into adulthood.
The Bajo/Baix Cinca region, as well as other areas like Cinca Medio and La Litera, are the main fruit producers in the province of Huesca. According to some estimates, this year's harvest is expected to exceed 300 million kilos, in a season that, so far, is considered "good" in terms of both quality and production.
Aragon and Catalonia are the main producers of stone fruit in Spain. Europe remains the primary market , although many farms aim to expand into Asia, and especially China.
However, it's important to remember that the sector has been suffering constant setbacks for years. Among their demands, they point out that they still don't know what price they'll be able to sell their fruit for, and the Food Chain Law never seems to arrive.
Along these lines, the AEGA Association , which emerged from the discontent and mobilizations of farmers and ranchers in February , is one of the entities most critical of the current bureaucratic system and, among other demands, calls for elections to the agricultural chambers, which they say have been "blocked" for more than 20 years.
