Demand โfor Legumes Growing: Retailers Urged to Expand Offerings
Berlin. Consumer appetite for pulses is โstrong, yet current supermarket selections are falling short of demand, according โto a recent โฃsurvey commissioned by the โฃUnion for theโ Promotion of Oil and Protein Plantsโค (UFOP). Over half of โขrespondents (53%) indicatedโข they โฃwould like to see a wider variety ofโค legumes available in stores.
consumer Interest Signals Possibility
The โsurvey reveals a clear openness โto incorporating more pulses into โคdiets.โ Stephan Arens, โManaging Director of UFOP, emphasizes theโ untapped potential for โretailers. “The offer simply needs to be visible and appealing enough,” he stated.
Data fromโ the survey demonstrates increasing legume consumption, with over 58% of participants reporting they ate dishes containing pulses in the past year.โ A significant majority – 61% – hold a positive view of legumes, and 70% believe they should be consumed โคmore frequently.
Sustainability and Regional Benefits
European-grown pulses offer significant environmental advantages. They naturally enhance soil fertility,โ fix โnitrogen from the atmosphere, and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Moreover, locally sourcedโค and processed โpulses contribute to โstrengthening regional economies and value chains.
Arens highlights the importance of retailer response, stating, “Increased shelf presence and a greater variety โof products would helpโฃ solidify this growing consumer interest.”
Promoting โฃEuropean Pulses: “THE FOUR FROM HERE!” Campaign
UFOP isโข launching a sales promotion campaign, โ”THE FOUR โFROM HERE!”, running from February 2024 toโข January 2027, aimed at increasing awareness andโ improving theโ image of โขEuropean grain legumes in Germany โand โคAustria. The initiative seeks to encourage consumers to adopt more balanced and lasting dietary habits.
Ultimately, expanding the availability of pulses benefits not only consumers but โขalso the retail and agricultural โคsectors. Increased supply isโค expected to further drive acceptance and integration of legumes into everyday diets.
