The data, taken from the latest Project Harvest report commissioned by Horticulture Innovation Australia, shows that 41 per cent of consumers consider it important to see on-pack claims that their fresh vegetables are washed and cleaned ready for use.

Australian consumers were also found to value packaging claims that stated vegetable products were ‘fresher for longer’ and Australian grown’.

“There are many Australians who want to buy fresh vegetables that are quick, easy and convenient, and the Australian vegetable industry is working hard to increase its range of product formats that satisfy these needs,” said AUSVEG spokesperson, Jarrod Strauch.

“Helping consumers easily incorporate vegetables into their meals is a key aspect of increasing overall vegetable consumption in Australia, and industry is always looking for novel and innovative ways of making vegetable products that appeal to shoppers. In particular, pre-prepared and pre-packaged product formats – such as celery sticks that have been cut and washed already, or bags of washed mixed salad – are becoming increasingly common.”

Consumers are also interested in maximising the longevity of their fresh vegetable purchases, with 42 per cent of those surveyed saying that claims about their vegetables staying ‘fresher for longer’ are important for them to see on-pack.

“Australians are mindful about food wastage, and for fresh vegetable consumers, this often translates to wanting to be sure that their purchases are going to be fresh and able to be used in multiple meals,” Strauch said. “While previous research has shown that consumers’ expectations of vegetable shelf-life are almost always met, this interest in packaging claims about freshness shows that it continues to be a major driver behind Australian shopping habits.”