Walloon fruits and vegetables are highly valued by French-speaking consumers in Belgium, according to a study presented on Friday at the opening of the Hortifolies fair in Gembloux, Namur Province.
The survey, conducted in May 2024 with a representative sample of 1,000 French-speaking Belgians, found that over 50% of fruit and vegetable consumers choose Walloon products at least once a week.
More than half of the respondents believe Walloon products are at least as good as those from other regions. However, nearly 40% feel that these products are not sufficiently accessible and identifiable, and that their origin is not well promoted.
Additionally, more than half of the respondents think the prices are too high.
Another survey, carried out in March 2024 on a sample of 500 French speakers, shows that nearly 70% of respondents have a positive image of companies specialising in tree and garden maintenance.
French-speaking consumers most often purchase annual and perennial plants (33%), flower bulbs, seeds, or meadow flower seeds (29%), and vegetable or strawberry plants (28%).
Six out of ten plant buyers are willing to pay more for plants, trees, and shrubs that are locally and ecologically produced.
Both studies were organised by the Consumption Observatory of the Walloon Agency for the Promotion of Quality Agriculture.
The Hortifolies fair, open to professionals on Friday, will welcome the general public on Saturday and Sunday at the Gembloux Technical Horticultural Centre, located at Chemin de la Sibérie 4, 5030 Gembloux.
