Defra Food Statistics Pocketbook
(Published 30 September 2010)
The DEFRA Food Statistics Pocketbook 2010 was published on 30 Sepetmber 2010. Below are some brief highlights and comments. The link to the pocketbook is at the bottom.
Highlights
• Outside food expenditure down £2.3 billion in 2009
• Household food expenditure up £3.1 billion in 2009
• Price/value has become more important determining choice for people over the last year for 47% of people (up from 36%). Source: IGD Shopper Trends 2010
• Sales of ethical food and drink (Includes organic, fair trade, free range and freedom foods) continue to increase: 2006, 3.6 billion (bn); 2007, £4.2 bn; 2008, £5.0 bn. Source: Ethical Consumerism Report 2009, The Cooperative Bank
• UK households dispose of 8.3 million tonnes of food every year, of which 5.3 million tonnes is avoidable or some £12 billion (£480 per household). Source WRAP Waste arising in the supply of food and drink to households in the UK, March 2010
• Consumption of fruit and vegetables is declining amongst all households and especially in low income households (Calculated as portions per day). Source: Living Costs and Food Survey, 2008 DEFRA/ONS
Comment
• The launch today of the Food Statistics Pocketbook highlights a number of trends related to the general economy. It is important to note that the reported statistics lag by up to two years. There is an indication that people are spending less in restaurants and cafes, etc and more in the home. Price has increased significantly as a determinant of choice.
• Ethical food continues to increase and now is 5.3% of Household expenditure. There have been sales increases of about 45% between 2007 and 2008 in the purchase of sustainable fish (£70 million to £128 million) and Freedom Foods (£28 Million to £51 million); more moderate sales increases in Free-range and Fairtrade of 24 to 28% respectively. There is little change in sales at Farmers’ markets and a decline in vegetarian expenditure.
• Increasing detail is becoming available on food waste costing £480 for an average household.
• The consumption of fruit and vegetables has recently declined in 2007 and 2008 especially amongst the poorer families in society.
The Food Statistics Pocketbook 2010 is published by DEFRA. Further information can be found by clicking here.