German Chancellor Angela Merkel has given a well-needed publicity boost to the produce industry, with local media citing a diet of fruits and vegetables as behind her noticeably slimmer figure.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Newspaper Bild reported the leader had lost 10 kilograms (22 pounds) since December, highlighting that after a skiing accident in Switzerland, her doctors recommended a new diet with a higher consumption of fruit and vegetables.

"At meetings, she now has a bowl full of raw chopped carrots, red and green peppers and leeks sitting in front of her. She has given instructions that the plates full of sandwiches for other members of her party should be taken out of her reach," the story reported.

According to Bonn-based research consultancy AMI Germans ate around 1% less fruit and vegetables last year, although they spent 6% more on produce due to price inflation.

For the European Union, the latest report from Freshfel Consumption Monitor shows that the average daily fruit and vegetable consumption in the 28 member states fell by 8.2% in 2012, reaching 386.96 grams (13.6 ounces); a level that is below the World Health Organization's recommendations of 400 grams per day.

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