All Aussies want for Christmas are carrots and spuds

Aussie consumers have sent
their Christmas lists to Santa and the results are in – potatoes and carrots
are their must-have items during the festive season!
 
“Potatoes and carrots are traditionally the most frequently purchased
vegetables for the festive season, and this year is no different,” said AUSVEG
spokesperson Shaun Lindhe.
 
“While carrots and potatoes are popular all year round, consumer research from
market research agency Colmar Brunton has previously indicated that around 63
per cent of consumers specifically buy carrots for meals during the festive
season, while around 58 per cent buy potatoes.”
 
“The holidays also bring out a desire for consumers to roast their veggies,
with research indicating that 57 per cent of consumers roast vegetables during
the festive season despite the typically warm Australian weather.”
 
“Leading in to Christmas this year we can see this trend continue, with Project
Harvest research revealing that carrots were the most commonly purchased
vegetable during the past month, with potatoes and tomatoes close behind.”
 
AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing over 9,000 Australian
vegetable and potato growers.
 
Salad vegetables are also a popular choice for the festive season, with the
latest Project Harvest research showing increases in purchases for lettuce,
capsicum and cucumber.
 
“Consumption of salad vegetables peaks during the summer months as the warmer
weather hits and consumers crave refreshing and nutritious salads,” said Mr
Lindhe.
 
“While most people can take it a little easier over the holiday period, Aussie
growers are working extra hard to ensure consumers, no matter if they have been
naughty or nice, have access to high quality, delicious vegetables for
Christmas and New Year festivities.”
 
“No matter what variety of vegetables you choose for your festive feast, they
are sure to be great value, as well as a tasty, healthy component in any
Christmas meal.”
 
Project Harvest is funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia using the
National Vegetable Levy and funds from the Australian Government.