Obesity and obsession
The health mega-trend continues to influence consumer behaviour as a result of major concerns about increasing obesity levels and obesity-related illnesses around the globe.
Media coverage of the obesity crisis is seemingly relentless as is, conversely, what appears to be an obsession with dieting and fitness. Opposing information regarding ‘do’s’ and ‘don’ts’, alongside busy lifestyles, have created hurdles and confusion for people trying to take care of themselves.
Back to basics
As a consequence people have become much more aware of ‘self-preservation’ and are tending to take a more simplistic ‘natural’ approach to their personal health and food intake, often relying on food producers and retailers to help them make their food choices easier and inherently healthier.
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Helping people to take care of themselves ‘naturally’For many years, the fresh prepared foods sector has been one of the most successful in providing naturally healthy convenient meal options. Having a sophisticated chill chain to keep food fresh means that a balance of innately beneficial ingredients such as seeds and nuts, fish, pulses, fruit and vegetables, (clearly labelled with their nutritional content) can be incorporated into convenient meal solutions. |
Demand for fresh prepared fruit in the UK has increased by 57% over the last two years. (Source: Bakkavor) |
With increasing pressure on people’s incomes, however, there is some fear that people will forfeit their healthy eating regimes and revert back to poor diets. The continued development and supply, therefore, of nutritionally balanced products at affordable prices, alongside clear communication and promotion by the industry will be key in the short term.
Read our section on the Pleasure mega-trend.