Vegetable-Inspired Lifestyle

Earlier this year European Fresh Produce Association Freshfel,?a non-profit association and the forum for the fresh fruit and vegetables supply chain in Europe and beyond, published a vegetable-inspired consumption trends report. FoodIngredientsFirst takes a closer look at this report, the latest data on trends within the fresh produce sector as well as the challenges to overcome and opportunities up for grabs. While food innovators continue to create new product developments inspired by fruit and vegetables, demonstrated by the rise in plant-based ingredients, plant-based proteins as replacements for meat and alike, there is a focus on reducing meat consumption in the foodservice industry as well. Or at the very least some restaurateurs are cashing in on veggie-inspired menus or even opening entire restaurants dedicated to one fruit - case in point; The recently opened Amsterdam restaurant, The Avocado Show, describes itself as Europe?s first all-avocado restaurant, and in the last few weeks avocado aficionados have been making a beeline for Brooklyn?s new avocado 'fast food' restaurant Avocaderia. At the same time, chefs (celebrity and otherwise) continuously looking for new and unusual ingredients to add flavor and texture to their culinary creations as well as boost their healthy, nutritional credentials. And this very often involves fruit and vegetables. A quick look at popular celebrity chefs in the UK shows much of their recent work, whether it?s in the kitchen or using their voice and fame to campaign on an issue and lobby government, is directed towards boosting the consumption of fruit and vegetables. The same is true for other types of cooking trends, many of which have been influenced by the desire to promote fruit and vegetable consumption. Spiralizing, where vegetables are cut into long and thin ribbons and smoothie making have boosted consumption, not to mention sales of the gadgets that go with them. And even barbecuing, traditionally only associated with meat, is much more veggie-friendly with new product developments specifically promoting veggie alternatives for the grill. ?There could be some opportunity for the sector to promote fruit and vegetables, not just as your five-a-day, but as part of alternative diet choices and your meat-free-Monday alternative? says?Freshfel. Access the full article?