Apparent fruit and vegetable consumption

IBISWorld forecasts apparent fruit and vegetable consumption to inch upwards by 0.2% in 2023-24 to total 193.3 kilograms per capita. Australians are expected to consume more fruits and vegetables due to the growing health consciousness over the year. Falling household discretionary income is expected to incentivise Australians to participate in cheaper, less healthy diets, partially offsetting this trend.

Fluctuations in fresh fruit and vegetable prices can weigh on consumption. Over the past five years, both instances of floods and droughts have led to supply constraints, placing upward pressure on prices. Price changes are almost always supply-driven, with a drop in supply typically leading to more suffocating prices. Consequently, consumers may choose to reduce their purchases of a particular type of fruit or vegetable when prices become too high. Overall rises in household disposable income can mitigate the effect price growth has on fruit and vegetable consumption.

Fruit and vegetable consumption has risen over the past five years. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has tightened the fertiliser supply, threatening supply chains. This has flowed through to supply constraints in food retailing industries. Price growth among many fruits and vegetables has discouraged their consumption. However, an easing of international trade and weather conditions is expected to aid fruit and vegetable consumption recovery throughout the current year. In addition, growing numbers of vegans and vegetarians in Australia has contributed to consumption over the past five years. Furthermore, a rise in health consciousness over the period has supported the amount of fruit and vegetables consumed. Overall, IBISWorld forecasts apparent fruit and vegetable consumption to rise at an annual compound rate of 1.3% over the five years through 2023-24.