Irish consumers say vegetables are good value for money

It also revealed that 90 per cent of consumers claim they like to support local fruit and vegetable growers, 79 per cent believe locally grown vegetables are of higher quality and 74 per cent believe they are worth paying more for.  Bord Bia is encouraging consumers to support local growers by purchasing fresh, local, in-season fruit and vegetables and to actively check on-pack information and labels such as the Bord Bia Quality Mark to ensure it is locally grown. 
Lorcan Bourke, sector manager for fresh produce and potatoes, in Bord Bia said: “Our research shows that grocery shoppers believe that fresh vegetables represent good value for money and the majority of Irish consumers like to support local growers. We would like to encourage people to take that extra step at point of purchase and check the label for source information to ensure they are buying the freshest, tastiest locally grown, in-season produce which also allows them to eat in the most healthy and sustainable way possible”. He acknowledged the ‘really difficult year for Irish vegetable growers who have been faced with unpredictable weather’ but added: “It is really heartening to see such a great appetite to support local growers and our aim now is to try to convert this into action by encouraging grocery shoppers to seek local.” 
Bord Bia’s annual Best in Season campaign aims to educate people about what is in season and the benefits of buying seasonal produce which, not only supports local growers and communities, but also guarantees the freshest, tastiest and most nutritious ingredients. To promote the benefits of eating locally grown, in-season fresh produce, Bord Bia has developed an interactive ‘Best in Season’ calendar along with a range of tasty recipes highlighting the versatility and flavour of seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables.