What are the main trends in brassicas?
The main trends are divided in four areas of research: size, colour, taste and disease resistance. The aim is to add value to the products. This means producing other sizes (vegetables are becoming smaller, with sizes that are more convenient for consumers), other tastes and other colours (although in the case of cauliflowers and cabbage, the white varieties continue to be the most popular). Also, to cater for new consumer habits, new trends are appearing based on convenience and ease of consumption. Ready-to-use, ready-to-cook and sliced products seek to satisfy this growing demand for convenience and already represent a significant part of the UK and Dutch markets (30% in the UK, 20% in the Netherlands). Last but not least, a broader range is demanded in the supermarkets with the aim of offering a greater diversity from all over the world and all year round (although keeping a place for seasonal and local foods).
