Recent spikes in the price of cauliflower, attributed to supply issues, are not expected to affect future demand, according to peak industry body AUSVEG, who point to the latest research data forecasting an increase in purchases during winter.

The Nielsen Homescan data, taken from 10,000 Australian households, shows that the amount of households buying cauliflower jumped by 81 per cent between March and July 2014, and by 95 per cent for the same period in 2013.

“We’ve seen an abnormally high spend per household for cauliflower over the last three or four months, with the average spend for February sitting 26 per cent higher than the same time last year,” said AUSVEG Assistant Manager – Industry Development, Mr Kurt Hermann.

“Given summer generally has the lowest demand for this commodity, this consistently high spend is likely due to the supply issues that have recently been in the media.”

“Over the same period, though, we’ve seen the amount of households buying cauliflower increase by almost a quarter. This is in line with previous trends, suggesting that consumers are once again returning to it as a favourite during cooler months.”

AUSVEG is the leading horticultural body representing more than 9,000 Australian vegetable and potato growers.

The Homescan data also shows that other nutritious winter staples are back on the menu, with the amount of households buying sweetpotato, pumpkin and broccoli increasing as the months get cooler.

“Vegetables which work well in roasts and soups, like pumpkin and sweetpotato, are seen by many households as ‘winter’ ingredients, so demand for these kind of vegetables ramps up at this time of year,” said Mr Hermann.

“As well as being great for warm winter meals, this kind of consumption pattern has real health benefits – pumpkin and cauliflower are excellent sources of Vitamin C, which can help people feel far better as we head into cold and flu season.”

“Broccoli and sweetpotatoes are good sources of Vitamin A, which has proven benefits for your vision.”

“A vegetable-rich diet is a vital party of a healthy lifestyle, and there’s no reason that winter comfort foods can’t also help you look after yourself. Australian producers grow the healthiest, safest vegetables in the world, and this winter, we encourage all Australians to take advantage of the great home-grown produce on offer.”

The Nielsen research is funded by HIA using the National Vegetable Levy and funds from the Australian Government.

ENDS
MEDIA CONTACT:  Kurt Hermann, Assistant Manager – Industry Development, AUSVEG
Phone: (03) 9882 0277, Mobile: 0421 007 510, Email: kurt.hermann@ausveg.com.au