The latest data from market research company Nielsen shows a split between demand for the fastest growing products of 2017, with healthy eating trends and alcohol representing the two demand drivers for new and existing products.
‘There’s a distinctly contrasting nature to the fastest-growing grocery products of the year as fresh fruit and ‘free-from’ led the way, alongside spirits and sparkling wine,’ said the company in a statement.
Shoppers in the UK spent £176.4 million more on fresh fruit this year than they did last year, while sales of spirits increased £152.3 million and those of free-from products, such as items without gluten or dairy rose £146.6 million. Shoppers also splashed out an extra £80.3 million on sparkling wine, while bottled water and ale & stout – which became a bigger market than instant coffee – also featured in a contrasting top 10 in terms of healthy eating and drinking.
‘Despite inflation and rising prices, shoppers still want to treat themselves with good quality and healthier food while indulging and enjoying themselves by drinking and dining more at home. We can see this in the increasing popularity of “big nights in”, illustrated by chilled ready meals being the fifth fastest-growing sector,’ Nielsen continued.
Photo Caption: According to Nielsen, fresh fruit sales saw growth of 3.8% last year.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia