Farmers' protests have increased interest in food quality in Poland
Farmers' strikes have an impact on interest in Polish fruit and vegetable production. Consumers pay more attention to the country of origin of products when purchasing.
60% of Poles plan to buy more Polish fruit and vegetables - according to a survey conducted by Kantar Polska. The dominant fruits include apples, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, plums, pears and blueberries, while the vegetables include tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, carrots, onions, cabbage and peppers.
- Consumers are more cautious when making purchases. They choose fruits and vegetables more wisely. They are moving towards better quality products. They waste less food - emphasizes Paweł Myziak, owner of Euro Papryka, vice-president of the Association of Paprika Producers in Poland. - We see an increase in interest in the Polish fruit and vegetable market. Spreading information during agricultural strikes that there is a problem with domestic production - unprofitability may lead to its reduction and we may lose food security - has brought results, he comments.
As much as 81 percent Poles support the farmers' protests recently organized across the country (half even declare strong support) - according to a CBOS survey.
More than half of Polish women and men (60%) are motivated to reach for particular species of native fruit and vegetables more often than before. The upcoming spring, the increasingly popular fashion for a healthy lifestyle and choosing what is local, and farmers' protests - these are just some of the factors that may increase the popularity of Polish vegetables and fruits - comment Kantar Polska experts.
The consumption of fruit and vegetables has been increasing in Poland since the pandemic. Poles perceive vegetables and fruit as the basis for healthy eating and a source of immunity. The biggest qualitative change was the perception of taste as the key consumer benefit of eating vegetables and fruit.
During the pandemic, Poles spent more time on cooking. As a result, they no longer perceive vegetables and fruits as difficult and time-consuming to prepare. These were significant barriers for consumers. Current research shows that these trends and farmers' protests motivate as much as 60% Poles – for larger purchases.
Polish food is gaining in the eyes of consumers, including vegetables and fruits, which should constitute half of what we eat. Experts commenting on the research results draw attention to the opportunity offered by interest in what is local and seasonal.