This year, UK wholesaler, Epicurium, is on a mission to help the nation maintain a healthier lifestyle through considered snacking choices, after sales of the ‘Healthy Snacking’ category saw a 114% growth.
Sales data shows that despite customers opting to implement healthy living practices in January, there continues to be a market for this category of products throughout the year and particularly into the summer months. This has spurred snack wholesaler Epicurium to issue a reminder to retailers that based on sales data, healthy habits are adopted by consumers throughout the year, not just as part of a new year’s resolution, with products available on the market to support this desire.
Despite the cost-of-living crisis, findings suggest that consumers will continue to spend on little indulgences or items that have added benefits and fit into their lifestyle across the calendar year. Epicurium has found that the modern-day customer is becoming more selective with their purchases, however, they are willing to invest in products that will progress their health and fitness goals, with many looking for healthier alternatives to their favourite snacks. The value of the corn, chickpeas, nuts, and seeds market increased in net sales (13%), while average order values of these items have almost doubled since 2022, with a higher number of customers than in previous years suggesting that this is a category for investment.
To coincide with these findings, Epicurium has launched five new brands: Eleat, Fiid, yfoods, Grind, and Zombie Bars, to support retailers and food service providers looking to tap into consumer desire. The focus of these launches is on those that have implemented a healthy start to the year, with Epicurium committed to encouraging support of customers that are creating a foundation for better habits. The company recommends that retailers tap into this buyer behaviour by adopting new healthier challenger brands to sit alongside household names, in order to maximise on year-round healthier snacking.
Epicurium’s managing director, Ben McKechnie, commented: “If you are looking to take a gamble on new lines, the first quarter of the year is a good time to do it. Many customers will have made the decision to pursue a healthier lifestyle and are open to new products that fit this need. Those that get it right will create a loyal customer base as they support new habit setting; if retailers support customers in the early days of setting a habit there is a higher chance that they will retain the customer. The aim for retailers and food service providers is to be known as the go-to place for year-round healthier snacking and our aim is to provide new brands that support this.”
