Healthy Options: Good 4 U When health means wealth…

Healthy eating is big business, as more and more consumers embrace the health and wellness trend, with huge opportunities for food and drinks brands and retailers.

THE trend towards health and wellness in Ireland was already prevalent prior to Covid-19, but the pandemic accelerated this trend and made consumers even more mindful of their consumption, according to the latest report into the sector by Euromonitor International.

Since we have emerged from lockdowns, the move towards healthier products has continued. Indeed, the amount of consumers actively seeking out a healthier diet, cutting down on foods that are high in salt and sugar, and eating more plant-based and ‘free from’ products, has grown exponentially. 2022 YouGov data tells us that the three most important factors that consumers look for, besides taste, are: good for my health, source of protein, and clean ingredients.

Recent years have seen many manufacturers, particularly in the soft drinks and confectionery sectors, engage in reformulation of their products, cutting down on sugar, salt and fat [See separate panel on the recent FSAI and Healthy Ireland Host Food Reformulation Event].

A recent report from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) provided some good news about our nation’s health, revealing that people in Ireland eat more daily portions of fruit and vegetables than in any other EU country.

Across all EU member states, just 12% of adults consume the recommended five or more portions of fruit and vegetables per day. However, 33% of adults in Ireland reach this target, with a further 48% consuming between one and four portions daily, according to the latest OECD Health at a Glance 2022 Report

The future for health and wellness products is bright, according to Euromonitor, who predict positive growth in the coming years, as the legacy of the pandemic continues to make consumers much more mindful about health and wellness. Many consumers will continue to avoid high levels of consumption of sugar, fat, salt and caffeine going forward, with manufacturers responding by offering products with either zero or reduced contents of these ingredients.

Clonakilty Veggie Sausages

Clonakilty Food Co are delighted to announce the launch of Clonakilty Veggie Sausages (RRP €3.50). The new Clonakilty Veggie Sausages are made with the same passion for quality and exacting standards as the much-loved Clonakilty Ispíní Sausages, Clonakilty Rashers, Clonakilty Blackpudding, Whitepudding and Veggie Pudding.

New Clonakilty

Veggie Sausages are packed full of fresh vegetables and grains, are soya free, high in protein, low in fat and come in recyclable packaging.