Consumers prefer local vegetables: Survey

ABU DHABI ? Locally-grown vegetables are getting more and more popular among the residents of Abu Dhabi as it offers quality at reasonable prices and are free from any chemicals. Consumers in the UAE consider locally-grown vegetables are fresh and of a high quality compared to imported products, according to a survey conducted by the Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Centre (ADFSC).

Christopher Hirst, chief executive officer of the ADFSC, said the survey, which included 800 persons from different consumer categories, showed that 78 per cent of the UAE consumers believe that local vegetables are of a good quality. The survey is the first of its kind, with the participation of UAE residents from different segments, nationalities and geographical spread.

Freshness and price were identified as the top drivers for selecting local vegetables.

Around 68 per cent of the consumers think that prices of local vegetables are reasonable in comparison to the imported vegetables.

A quarter of all respondents felt strongly that the prices of local vegetables are better than their imported competitors, Hirst said.

The price of 1kg of tomatoes in the ADFSC marketing centres dropped to as low as 75 fils during the main growing season and it was approximately Dh1 during the shoulder harvesting season, Hirst said.

Meanwhile, the price of the same product at other retail outlets averaged Dh1.5 per kg. Prior to the arrival of local produce on the market this season, the price ranged from Dh4 to Dh6, he said.

There are five marketing centres of ADFSC in Liwa, Sila and Delma Island in the Western Region and Muroor Road and Mina in the Capital.

It plans to open 23 outlets across the emirate by the year end.

Other sections of the survey found that 61 per cent consumers believe that local vegetables are rich in terms of nutrients and offer a healthier alternative to imported products.

Over three quarters of those surveyed found local vegetables to be more fresh and crisp than products imported to the UAE.

Nearly two thirds of respondents believe that locally grown vegetables are produced in an environment-friendly way.

These products are sourced directly from local farms without the need to travel significant distances as it is the case with imported products, Hirst said. The ADFSC will utilise the findings of this survey to launch a new brand for local fruit and vegetable products to be promoted throughout the UAE, Hirst said.? — anwar@khaleejtimes.com

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