According to Bakkavor’s quarterly report titled “State of the Nation”, as food inflation in the UK climbs to 18.2%, Brits are adapting by spending more time planning grocery lists, opting to stay home as opposed to eating out, and seeking out new ideas for energy-efficient cooking techniques and tools. The report reveals ten significant trends to watch in consumers’ food habits.
The first trend indicates that price remains a crucial factor for shoppers. With the acceleration of food prices, consumers are increasingly focused on the value of their purchases and looking for cheaper options to manage grocery spend. The proportion of those choosing cheaper products has increased by 10% to 61% in the last quarter.
Additionally, shoppers are carefully planning their shopping lists and deciding where to cut back. As a result, they purchase fewer items viewed as non-essential, leading to a decline in the number of items in their shopping baskets.
Energy-saving cooking tools and techniques have become more prevalent as consumers are mindful of their energy bills. The report indicates that many shoppers plan on increasing their use of air fryers, microwaves, and slow cookers to save energy.
With poor weather conditions and high energy prices, supermarket shelves have been affected, leading to a shortage of fresh fruit and veg. Simpler meals comprising fewer but filling ingredients like bread, potatoes, rice, and pasta have become more prevalent.
Consumers are now visiting supermarkets more frequently, focusing on buying specific items at each visit instead of doing a big weekly shop. Eating out has also reduced due to budget constraints. Instead, scratch cooking has become more popular as consumers try to save costs.
Healthy eating trends for budget-conscious consumers have made a slight resurgence, with 46% of consumers trying to eat more fruits and veggies. Another trend is the increased focus on sustainability as consumers look for sustainable food options and reduce food wastage.
Claire Smith, the spokesperson for Bakkavor, advises that the shifts in consumer habits and preferences are likely to continue for the foreseeable future and will impact the industry. At Bakkavor, the team is staying on the pulse with the latest trends, ensuring that customers get fresh quality food that aligns with their budget.
In conclusion, Bakkavor’s State of the Nation report provides an in-depth review of consumers’ food habits and behaviors. With careful planning, energy-saving techniques, and moves to simpler meals, Brits are adapting to the challenging economic environment. Shoppers are increasingly becoming more budget-conscious and demanding healthier and sustainable food options.