Consumer spend on bananas is static at £590m There were 3.4 billion banana occasions last year 25% of banana consumption is in the lunchbox 79% of bananas are eaten Monday to Friday 53% of consumption is accounted for by over 45s Health is the main reason behind consumption Young females eating more bananas The volume of bananas being eaten is up, driven by factors such as health worries, the 5-a-day campaign and concerns over obesity. Some 67% of shoppers claim health is the main driver behind consumption as shoppers see the banana as a valuable part of a healthy diet. Adult females account for 47% of consumption, while men eat 36% and children 17%. More than 50% of bananas are eaten by the over-45s, the age group most concerned with health. Although young females aged 17-34 only account for 10% of total banana consumption, they are eating 21% more than last year. Children aged 0-5 eat more bananas compared with other children's age groups. More bananas are being eaten, with in-home consumption up 4%. Twenty-six per cent are eaten at breakfast and 18% as snacks. Inclusion in the lunchbox is increasing, up 10% on last year, and now accounts for 25% of total consumption. Consumption of bananas is higher during the week, and drops off at the weekend, starting on Friday. Teresa Fisher

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