Report urges urgent policy actions to protect availability of fresh fruits and vegetables for consumers.

The Global Coalition of Fresh Produce has released the last findings of their survey on the rising costs for fruits and vegetables across the globe and their impact on the entire industry of produce as well as the end consumer, which was conducted in 2023’s spring.

Ron Lemaire, Chairman of the Coalition: “We conducted this global study to shed some more light on the issues faced by those involved within the supply chain around the world. The information contained in the report can help both the food industry and its partners and government officials to comprehend the impact on cost of production and operations, and collaborate to tackle these issues.”

In the report of the Coalition:

Producers of fresh fruit and vegetables all over the globe saw unprecedented rises in the cost of production and operations during the COVID-19 epidemic regardless of the region operating from. These increases were triggered by fertilizers (up 60% globally) as well as the construction industry (48 percent) as well as gas and fuel (41 percent) as well as transportation (40 percent) and electric power (40 per cent).

Many operators were able raise their prices for selling, by eleven percent across Europe and 13 percent in Oceania as well as South America, 14 percent in North America and 23 percent in Africa. These increases, however, did not suffice to pay for the increase in operational and production costs. This left three-quarters of the world sector operating in a loss, or even making a profit.

The rising costs have impacted the strategic and operational decisions. Some producers have reduced their production, whereas some traders have cut back on their exports or changed to producing at lower costs for shipping.

88% of the respondents said they’re withholding or cancelling investments within their companies Not just for capital equipment and capital as well as in the area of innovation and expansion. The effects on the cost of living will continue to be felt for a long time in the future.

The final report is now available on the Global Coalition of Fresh Produce website at https://producecoalition.net/publications. The information collected is used to formulate international and national perspectives regarding the increasing production and operating expenses in North as well as South America, Europe, Africa and Oceania and collaborate with all parties as well as the government to tackle their effects.

For more information:

Ellen Pay

Global Coalition of Fresh Produce

Tel: +39 3668920951

Email: info@producecoalition.net

www.producecoalition.net