Denying the situation we live in is no longer an option. Climate change and the economic conditions of the sector make the population increasingly aware and choose purchasing options aimed at reversing these effects.
It’s not just talk: studies prove it. This is the case of the data collected in the sixth edition of he ALDI Fresh Produce Observatorya broad and detailed x-ray of spending and purchasing preferences for fresh produce during 2023 in Spain.
By fresh, we mean foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, meat, fish and seafood, but also charcuterie or frying pans. What characterizes them is that perishable children. That is, due to their natural characteristics, they retain their qualities within a certain time and conditions.
The current trend is clear: The population prefers to buy seasonal and national products, in turn promoting more sustainable consumption.
Buying local and seasonal, a rising trend
Locating on the map where a fresco in question comes from is very important. 79% of Spanish families take into account the origin of these products when purchasingaccording to data from the latest ALDI Fresh Products Observatory.
Thus, people prefer national products (82%), even better if they are from their region (74%). In fact, nearly half of Spaniards (47%) do not take into account the producers, but rather the region where a fresh food is grown or produced.
Not only this, but buying national origin usually goes hand in hand with buying in season. So much so that 97% of the Spanish population consumes fresh seasonal products. The vast majority! And 77% of people who choose fresh products of national origin prioritize that they be seasonal. they do it because they consider that their flavor is better and they have a better quality-price ratio, but also because they are more sustainable..
There are various reasons for choosing this option. The most common is because fresh ones taste better, although also because they have a better quality-price ratio and because they tend to be more sustainable, as we said. In fruits and vegetables, fresh seasonality is most valued. It has greater freshness and flavor, plus it is better for the environment and healthier. It’s all benefits!
For a more sustainable future
Consumers are increasingly demanding regarding sustainability and traceability. of the product. That is, knowing what phases a fresh product has gone through until it arrives at the supermarket in a transparent way. Furthermore, concern about climate change is evident, so much so that one in three consumers has already changed their fresh purchasing habits.
Given this scenario, More than half of consumers already prioritize seasonal products, and also opt for bulk products or products with less plastic in packaging..
And what can supermarkets do?
Today, supermarkets are already applying measures to be more sustainable. The most valued by the Spanish population, increasingly, is the reduction of plastic in packaging. In fact, ALDI has managed to save more than 1,730 tons of plastic since 2020eliminating disposable plastic products, redesigning packaging or opting for cardboard or recycled plastic.
In addition, 73% of consumers believe that wasting fresh food is a real problem. They appreciate that supermarkets apply a 30% discount on items with a near expiration date and that they donate these surpluses to social entities, two measures that ALDI also applies in its supermarkets.
Is good know that ALDI has launched a free digital platform to combat food waste at home, which generates recipes with what you have in the fridge: “Tasty Leftovers”.
Even so, 71% of the population believes that establishments should apply more measures to limit the use of plastic, and 69% believe that they should promote the purchase of fresh foods in bulk more. Besides, Nearly 9 out of 10 Spanish families think that supermarkets should offer more information about where fresh food comes from and 3 out of 10 believe that establishments do not offer enough fresh seasonal products.
All of this tells us that the work does not end here and that we must continue to promote sustainable initiatives that are committed to fresh, seasonal and national products.. Not only for the benefit of the environment, but for society as a whole.
#fresh #healthy #sustainability #national origin
