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Consumers in the UAE have begun including more fresh fruits and vegetables in their diets, with 50% saying they are increasingly choosing foods that help boost their immune system.
According to research commissioned by the Food Council of Ireland, some 52% agree that traceability factors are important in the products they consume and 56% believe quality standards are more important today.
Government efforts to address alarming rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease among the population, as well as the recent pandemic, have transformed local consumption.
refresh your life
Fresh Up Your Life is an EU-funded CSO Italian project supporting the promotion of quality, nutritious and healthy fresh produce in the UAE by 2025, highlighting the themes of sustainability, clarity and traceability in the supply chain. Apofruit Italia, Cico-Mazzoni, Conserve Italia, Lagnasco Group, Oranfrizer, Origine, Unacoa also participated in the program. Kiwi, apples, pears, blood oranges, tomato puree (considering that pasta is the most imported product in the region) are the products that the project will focus on.
Paolo Bruni, President of CSO Italy, said: “The increased demand for authentic products and the trend towards a healthy lifestyle represent an important driver for the growth of Italian fruit and vegetables, whose high quality is recognized and appreciated by local consumers. “Through the Fresh Up Your Life project, we will encourage the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables through B2B and B2C programs, rewarding the quality, transparency and traceability of our supply chain. The next appointment will be at Gulfood in February, Middle East food and the most important event for the beverage industry, a crossroads of international flavors and trends.”
food import
Meanwhile, the UAE will import more than 41,000 tons of food per day in the first half of 2022. This figure is expected to grow due to population growth, strong demand for imported products from foreigners residing in the country, and significant expansion of the tourism industry with the opening of a large number of new hotels and resorts in recent years.
Italy is the leader in kiwifruit production in Europe, with 330,150 tons produced in 2020, of which 246,824 tons (75% of the total) were produced by CSO Italian members. As for apples, Italy and Poland are the main producers, with a production of 2.6 million tons in 2020, of which 1.7 million tons were produced by the Italian members of the CSO. Italy is also leading in the production of pears, with a production of 611,000 tons in 2020, of which 306,000 tons were produced by member companies of CSO Italy. Finally, tomato paste production exceeded 1 million tons in 2020, of which 530,000 tons were produced by CSO Italy members.
The UAE’s multiculturalism – around 88% of the total population is foreign – has led to different eating habits translating into a variety of cuisines and a diverse demand for fresh produce. — trade arab news agency
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