Determinants of consumption of vegetables in France

Since the turn of the century, consumption of vegetables continues to decline in France, even if partially offset by the consumption of processed vegetables. Does this compensation also affect all segments of the population?

In France, purchases of vegetables reach 64 kg per consumption unit (CPU) per year, including 55.5% of fresh products. However, 50% of households buy less than 54 kg a year. The biggest consumers are the elderly over 50 years (+50 years = 73 kg / CPU / year and +60 years = 85 kg / CPU / year). Similarly, couples seem more conducive to the consumption of vegetables (72.7 kg / CPU / year), while the birth of children decrease the consumption (nearly 48 kg / UA / year). Of course, single women consumes more than men in the same situation (about 82 kg against 51 kg).

Income also plays a key role: 15% of the richest French people have a vegetable consumption above average (69 kg / CPU / year) while 15% of the poorest consume 51.5 kg. In contrast, the level of education does not seem significant.
The quantity of purchased vegetables is closely correlated with the consumption of fresh vegetables. In France, the "largest" consumer (128 kg / CPU / year) is first, a consumer of fresh vegetables (68% of these purchases).

Conversely, youth and singles have a preference for washed and peeled vegetables; soup is more popular for people over 60 years of age. Finally, the ready meals (meat or fish and vegetables), attract mostly under 40 years old consumer, single men and retired, regardless of incomes.

It seems that eating vegetables is no more a marker of social position. The decreased prices of processed food made them accessible to all segments of the population. Conversely, consumption of fresh vegetables would be the preserve of the wealthy classes, who see the freshness as a guarantee of quality.

http://www.fondation-louisbonduelle.org/france/en/health-professionals/scientific-watch/determinants-of-consumption-of-vegetables-in-french.html