Sales of named “superfoods” have boomed as UK consumers attempt to eat their way to good health, new research shows.
Blueberries, beans, spinach, tomatoes, broccoli, oranges, and pumpkin are amongst the 14 so-called superfoods that were rated as part of an AC Nielsen study.
The figures, which were taken from a Scantrack service that monitors checkout scanners at 74,000 shops, show UK consumers are taking advice on healthy eating on board.
Blueberry sales more than doubled between 2005 and 2007 ¬- up 132 per cent - to £95 million a year.
“Blueberries contain antioxidants which help with circulation, keeping the heart healthy and maintaining youthful-looking skin,” said Jonathan Banks, business insight Director at AC Nielsen. “These are all important to today’s health and youth-conscious consumer.”
But more traditional veg has gained from the superfood trend.
Spinach sales have risen by more than a quarter between 2005 to 2007, with the market reaching £42 million, up from £32 million in the year to May 2005.
More than 800,000 more households have bought spinach than the previous year.
Tomatoes saw an £86m spike in sales, which increased by 16 per cent to £625m, in the same period.
The uplift follows an increase in the range of varieties available at UK retailers, with shoppers willing to trade up to premium lines, according to Banks.
Banks said: “Because these are fairly ordinary foods, experts believe it is easy for people to benefit from their goodness and with retailers such as Tesco endorsing these superfoods as part of their Healthy Living drive, sales of many have increased dramatically over the past two years.”
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