Shoppers Look to Healthy Options

Retailers should keep this in mind and help focus their shoppers to healthier more nutritious options.

According to a recent survey by the International Food Information Council Foundation (IFIC), the number of Americans considering health when purchasing foods and beverages rose 10 percent from 2012 to 2014. Data showed that 71% of consumers said health was a deciding factor - the top reasons?  Taste and price cited by 90% and 73% of respondents, respectively.

Among other findings in the survey:

• 83% of consumers reported they’ve tried eating more fruits and vegetables within the past year than in the previous year.

• 79% have cut calories by drinking water or low- and no-calorie beverages.

• 37% regularly buy food labeled “natural,” 35% bought foods labeled “local,” and 32% bought foods advertised as “organic.”??

• 62% give “at least a little thought” to the environmental sustainability of their food and beverages.

This wasn't a huge survey, conducted between March 26 and April 7, 2014 and involved 1,005 Americans ages 18 to 80,  so while it might not necessarily mean the entire country is healthier than it was a year or two ago, it does suggest that we are making moves in the right direction. Retailers should keep this in mind and help focus their shoppers to healthier more nutritious options and use displays and promotions to direct their search for good for you products.