Except for cherries, which have become less common in stores due to spring frost damage, most of the fruits and vegetables sold in France have almost returned to pre-pandemic levels, according to the annual report published by Familles rurales on Friday.
About 8% Price Decline in One Year
“Prices in 2020 were a record year, but the prices of most items in our shopping basket have returned to levels close to 2019,” the consumer protection organization reported in a press release. “Except for cherries, an overall price decrease of -8% (fruits -4%, vegetables -11.5%) was observed between June 2020 and June 2021,” Familles rurales stated.
In detail, the price of organic fruits fell by 5% overall, while conventional fruits decreased by 3%. However, apricots and apples, affected by frost damage, saw their prices rise sharply (+18% and +9%, respectively), while melons dropped by 21%. Among vegetables, prices for organic products decreased by 5%, and conventional ones fell by 18%.
“Fruit and Vegetable Vouchers” for the Poorest?
Familles rurales conducted 111 price surveys between June 15 and 30 with the cooperation of a team of 83 “consumer observers” in 38 departments at hypermarkets, supermarkets, discount stores, and organic food shops. The calculations are based on 8 types of fruit (apple, melon, apricot, strawberry, peach, banana, lemon, watermelon) and 10 types of vegetables (eggplant, carrot, zucchini, green beans, lettuce, bell pepper, potato, cherry tomato, cucumber, yellow onion).
Considering that some prices have “reached new highs” and purchasing power is limited, the organization prioritizes “products accessible to as many people as possible” (carrots, zucchini, bananas, cucumbers, etc.) and recommends “above all, not giving up on a healthy diet.” Additionally, Familles rurales calls on public institutions to introduce “fruit and vegetable vouchers” for the poorest.