More vegetables and less fruits are sold

Unfavourable weather limited Hungarian production of vegetables and fruits in 2004 and 2005. EU subsidies were not available in the year of accession and only became available much later than expected. In 2006, the weather was more favourable and overall production is expected to reach 2.6 million tons. According to data from the Hungarian Vegetable and Fruit Council, the average per capita consumption of vegetables and fruits was 170 kilos in 2005. Domestic and foreign demand still exceeds domestic production this year. It is notable, that consumers prefer fruits and vegetables of Hungarian origin over imported goods. However, the lack of sufficient investment for several years has lead to domestic producers being unable to satisfy demand. Hungarian producers are also at a disadvantage compared to foreign competitors in the field of attractive packaging. Consumers looking for cheaper products are forced to choose imported goods. According to Béla Mártonffy, community marketing projects and price reductions would help Hungarian producers in competing. Better and more focused marketing efforts are certainly needed to make the sector more competitive.