The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) recently appointed three new Directors to the Australian-New Zealand Board with vast knowledge across retail landscapes and global production insights.
IFPA A-NZ serves an AUD 24 billion fresh produce and floral supply chain, focused on increasing demand and access to the fresh produce and floral products across Australia and New Zealand, while removing barriers to a thriving business environment. Here are some insights from the three new directors.
Kenny MacLeod, Coles Business Category Manager Fresh Produce, Vegetables, Salad and Value Add, has observed a growing demand for healthy snacks, with strong growth across the range of bite-sized vegetables, particularly tomatoes, baby cucumbers, mini vine capsicums and carrots.
The Coles Value Add range offers a broad selection of ready-to-enjoy fruit, salad and vegetable products that help make healthy eating easier for busy households.
MacLeod said that these products have become a popular choice for school lunchboxes and as a daily nutritious snacking option, as convenience and value remain front of mind for customers seeking fresh options that require less time and effort without compromising on quality.
Similarly, Christian Parsons, Costa Group, mentioned that consumer trends have continued to move towards higher flavour and more convenient eating options. He said that growers have also become more responsive to consumer needs, deliberately planting varieties that appeal to consumers and enhance their experiences, such as seedless mandarins and snacking tomatoes.
Matt Atley, IFPA Board of Directors, highlighted that the berries category has seen strong growth and attributed this to improved consistency in quality throughout the year, which has built customer trust through a good eating experience, keeping customers engaged with the category even during periods of price fluctuations.
Read the full interview in the latest issue here
