Consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables in Spain continues to show a downward trend, according to the latest data from the National Statistics Institute (INE). The sustained decline in daily intake reflects a shift in eating habits, shaped by economic and social factors that affect income groups unevenly.
In recent years, the share of the population aged over 16 consuming fruit and vegetables on a daily basis has dropped significantly. This trend signals a gradual departure from traditional dietary patterns associated with the Mediterranean diet, with implications for both public health and the horticultural sector.
Economic pressure reshapes consumption
Declining purchasing power has emerged as a key driver behind this shift. The rise in fresh food prices, in a context of sustained inflation since the onset of the war in Ukraine, has forced many households to adjust their purchasing decisions.
Other contributing factors include the growing popularity of ready meals—linked to changing lifestyles and limited time for cooking—as well as increased awareness of food waste, which has led households to reduce the quantities they buy.
Although average spending on fruit and vegetables has increased, this reflects higher prices rather than greater consumption, highlighting a real decline in access to fresh produce.
Stronger impact on lower-income households
The reduction in consumption is not evenly distributed. Data shows a clear correlation between income level and frequency of fruit and vegetable intake, with lower-income households reporting significantly lower consumption levels compared to higher-income groups.
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This widening nutritional gap underscores a structural issue: access to healthy food is increasingly influenced by economic constraints. In parallel, indicators of overweight and obesity tend to be higher among more vulnerable populations, reinforcing the link between income and diet quality.
Implications for the sector and public health
The decline in fruit and vegetable consumption presents a dual challenge. On one hand, it directly affects domestic demand in a key sector of Spain’s agri-food economy. On the other, it raises concerns about the need for stronger public policies to promote healthy eating habits and ensure equitable access to fresh produce.
In this context, policymakers and industry stakeholders increasingly highlight the importance of measures aimed at encouraging consumption—particularly among vulnerable groups—in order to reverse a trend that poses risks both to public health and to the long-term sustainability of the food system.
