The impact of consumer demands on international vegetable crop production

Vegetable producers operate mainly in a market where free competition has resulted in plentiful supplies with a wide range of choice for the consumer. Consumer trust and confidence in the product is essential to maintain and improve sales. The consumer demands low prices, a wide choice throughout the year, attractively presented clean products which are free from contaminants. In addition, consumers have concerns about pesticide use, pesticide residues, the effect of production on the environment as well as the social aspects of production, Successful producers will be those that can cope with such diverse demands upon them.