Laura Wilson, TNS

Age profile of courgette consumption

* In the last year, there were 180 million occasions of courgettes consumed, down 6% on 2003


* Three quarters of courgettes are eaten at the evening meal


* Females aged 45+ consume more than a third of courgettes


* Boiling are steaming are the most popular hot preparation methods, making up 30% of total consumptionA healthy option, being lightened up by stir-friesCourgette consumption focuses around key meal times. The evening meal is a key occasion for courgettes and Monday to Thursdays and Sundays are key days.

Courgettes consumed at the evening meal are down by 8% vs last year. Some 19% of courgettes are consumed at lunchtime and this occasion is showing the greatest growth of 9%. Courgettes are five times more likely to be stir-fried than other vegetables.

Fresh vegetables are more likely to be consumed by females than males, and courgettes are 14% more likely than other vegetables to be consumed by females.

Females aged 45+ are a key courgette consumer and this age group tend to favour “healthier” foods such as mackerel, tomato and melons.

Males aged 17-24 and females 25-34 are consuming more courgettes than their average for vegetables. These males show a 23% increase in consumption due to the popularity of stir-fries.

Children are less likely to consume courgettes than other foods, hardly surprising considering children’s eating habits and the obesity crisis surrounding children’s health. But there is 7% growth in courgette consumption among the 0-5s. Parents are perhaps starting to take note.

Produced for The Grocer by TNS.

Year to May 2004. For more information call 01372 825770. Next week: plaice