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- The 5 a Day Association is a global benchmark, but can you tell us how it started in Spain and what its main objective is?
“5 a Day” is an international movement that promotes the daily consumption of at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables. It originated in the United States in 1989 in response to the alarming decline in people’s habits, their low consumption of fruits and vegetables, and the increased health risks associated with diet. It landed in Spain in 1999, and since then, we have been growing gradually with the help of all our partners. When we started, we were a few romantics in this sector who believed in the need to promote fruits and vegetables. From that moment, “5 a Day” has professionalized, adding marketing, management, and nutrition experts to its team to achieve its initial purpose. Now, “5 a Day” is present in more than forty countries on five continents, making it one of the largest strategies for promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables worldwide.
- You will soon celebrate your 25th Assembly. What do you highlight from all these years of tireless work?
Themes such as health, nutrition, sustainability, education, and physical activity have become the fundamental pillars of the association. After more than twenty years promoting the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, what remains for us is to go for many more years. Eager to continue spreading our message of health and the aspiration to become references for the entire population and the sector in terms of nutrition, especially regarding fruits and vegetables, always with the support of our partners.
- Over all these years, have you noticed a change in society’s eating trends?
According to the report by the Spanish Foundation of Nutrition (FEN), detailing the amount of fruits and vegetables consumed by the Spanish population and their distribution by age, it indicates that the consumption of fruits and vegetables among Spaniards has decreased by 40% in the last 50 years. Undoubtedly, consumers have adapted to the changes we have experienced over the years. With the arrival of the pandemic in our lives in 2020, there was an increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables, which returned to normalcy after the confinement, only to later decline. For the immediate future, experts predict a more rational consumption and a focus on fresh and local products. In 2023, we have the opportunity to support and increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables, essential in any healthy dietary pattern, and highlight the horticultural sector’s value.
- Why do you consider it so relevant to continue communicating the benefits of fruits and vegetables?
Promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables among the population, emphasizing the importance of consumers monitoring their eating habits to eat in a healthy and responsible way, with the support of our Scientific Committee and always based on fresh products like fruits and vegetables, is not only a responsibility but a necessity in light of the data from recent studies. In Spain, 62% of the adult population is overweight, while 41% of children aged 6 to 9 are overweight or obese, making us the third country in Europe with the highest rate of childhood obesity, behind Italy and Greece. Furthermore, in the European region of the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic diseases such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, etc., account for more than 80% of deaths. That’s why our main focus is on children, who are the consumers of the future, and it is during these ages that healthy eating habits should be established. We are convinced that a healthy child has many more chances of becoming a healthy adult.
- Since when have you been collaborating with Más Brócoli? And what do you appreciate most about this collaboration?
“5 a Day” and Más Brócoli began their collaboration in November 2017, implementing various joint actions to promote the consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially broccoli, showcasing the benefits of this product to the end consumer, always from a health perspective. We are convinced that the work carried out by the association is very important, as broccoli consumption has grown in recent years in Spain thanks to communication efforts, both from the website and social networks, and its Scientific Committee, highlighting the health benefits of this vegetable and offering ideas for consuming it in a fun and healthy way. There is still much to be done, but we are on the right path!
- What stands out to you the most about our favorite vegetable?
Broccoli is one of the vegetables that has become a symbol of healthy eating. Not only for its high nutritional value, versatility, and low calorie content but fortunately, we find it more and more often on the tables of Spanish consumers.
- And finally, any favorite broccoli recipe that none of our fans should miss?
We love broccoli in any way, but if we had to choose, we would go for a broccoli-based pizza decorated with your favorite toppings. It’s an original and healthy way to enjoy all the properties of this vegetable and introduce it to the little ones. Ingredients: -1 Broccoli head -1 egg -150g grated cheese -Spices to taste -Tomato sauce -Toppings to taste: mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, tuna, bell pepper, etc. Preparation: -Grate the broccoli and add a beaten egg, grated cheese, and spices to taste, and mix well. -Put the resulting dough on the oven tray with a little parchment paper and shape it. -Add the tomato sauce and the rest of the ingredients and bake at 180°C for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy! [1] Obesity prevalence in Spain. [2] Obesity data and statistics in the European region of the World Health Organization (WHO).
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