Apparent fruit and vegetable consumption

IBISWorld forecasts apparent fruit and vegetable consumption to rise by 1.3% in 2025-26 to total 212.3 kilograms per capita. Australians are expected to consume more fruits and vegetables due to growing health consciousness over the year. Increasing household discretionary incomes and public health initiatives like the "Plus One Serve" project are expected to incentivise Australians to focus on healthier diets, further boosting 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. Sometimes, demand-side factors can influence consumption. For example, the cost-of-living crisis in 2023 curbed Australians' consumption of fruit and vegetables. 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 tightened the fertiliser supply, threatening supply chains. This flowed through to supply constraints in the food retailing industries. Price growth among many fruits and vegetables has discouraged their consumption. However, an easing of international trade and weather conditions has aided fruit and vegetable consumption recovery. In addition, growing numbers of vegans and vegetarians in Australia have contributed to consumption over the past five years. Furthermore, a rise in health consciousness 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 0.7% over the five years through 2025-26.