A recent report from Colmar Brunton has shown that cauliflower is of low importance to consumers and that there is little interest in new varieties. However, the monthly vegetable tracking report, funded by Horticulture Innovation Australia, has found that more cauliflower promotion, including its versatility and health benefit, would encourage greater consumption.
As a short-term recommendation the report suggested more promotion of cauliflower as a replacement for bread, rice, pizza crust and tortillas.
Despite consumers placing a lack of importance on cauliflower, it is perceived to be “good value”, selling for an average of $3.35 in October.
Pumpkin consumption also took a hit with the report finding most pumpkin purchases were made by mainstream and specialist retailers who purchased an average of 1.2kg.
“Purchase and consumption frequency of pumpkin declined, with approximately eight consumption occasions per month,” the report said. "The popularity of cut-up pumpkin should be further investigated whether it is driven by availability or more suitable portion sizes. Price tracking revealed a national average of $3.76/kg for butternut pumpkins, an increase from prices in June (which were 2.60.kg).”
The report also found about one-third of consumers limited buying vegetables based on not wanting to waste any.
Previously, the consumption tracker has revealed that about 6 per cent of vegetables purchased are wasted and that 34 per cent of consumers didn’t believe they could reduce wastage further.
