Specific impacts on trade and consumption of fruit and vegetables in Europe

European governments and the private sector will do their utmost to continue to ensure the delivery of food, but at least initially, exotic fruits may not be among the products most in demand. Because restaurants are closed, consumers are looking to stock more food, so there is high demand, particularly for basic fruit and vegetables, especially as people look for healthy foods with a high vitamin C content to bolster their health. There is also expected to be higher demand for canned fruit and vegetables (including tropical produce), which can be easily stored and carries lower risk in the event of a break in the supply chain, such as the closure of a port.

As home consumption increases, the European trade is working to guarantee consumers a healthy and balanced diet with continued access to fresh fruit and vegetables.

Within Europe, the fresh fruit and vegetable sector is in discussion with the public authorities to guarantee a “fresh corridor” for lorries transporting highly perishable fresh fruit and vegetables to ensure rapid supply. This includes securing vehicles and drivers in good time at the right places and introducing protocols to ensure trade flows. At the same time, all European fresh produce companies are taking steps to offer the best possible protection to workers in the supply chain.

However, although transit of goods is allowed and ensured within the EU, some blockages and delays have been reported for goods subject to negotiations between different Member States. In addition, some hauliers do not want to send their drivers and lorries to high-risk areas.

Events in China tell us about the likely evolution of consumer behaviour in Europe in the context of COVID-19:

• Consumers looking for foods that are beneficial to their health, which favours the consumption of fruit and vegetables;
• Increasing demand for vegetables and fruit (in China, increases of 40% and 37%, respectively);
• A shift in consumption from restaurants, convenience stores, markets and wholesalers to supermarkets and the internet.

The drastic drop in import demand from China could lead to the diversion of large volumes of fruit to Europe and other parts of the world. This could have consequences for Europe’s other supplier countries, such as the ACP countries.