Central England Co-operative has revealed the findings of research into shoppers’ habits as many look to make changes in a bid for a healthier lifestyle by making new year’s resolutions.
New research conducted by the Society involving over 200 food stores spread across 16 counties has found increased sales of certain products which are sought out by shoppers seeking healthier options.
Drinking more water is a simple change that many people commit to after the festivities are over and January 2018 sales of Co-op Fairbourne Springs Still Water increased by 20% compared to the first month of the previous year. For those switching to a different kind of bubbly in the new year, sales of Co-op Fairbourne Springs Sparkling Water were up by 28%.
Despite the wintry weather in January, sales of salad vegetables increased with whole cucumbers (57p each) flying off the shelves and seeing a 59% increase year on year, along with peppers (£1 for a twin pack) up by 41%.
The challenge of going ‘dry’ in January is undertaken by many in an effort to cut down on alcohol after taking in a tipple or two over Christmas and New Year. This is backed up after Central England Co-op research showed that sales of non-alcoholic drinks increased an average of 23% in January 2018 compared to the previous year.
However, it seems customers still like the experience of having a drink, but forego the booze by choosing alcohol-free versions. Sales of Kopparberg Non Alcoholic Pear Cider (£1.35 500ml) were up 34%, Eisberg Non Alcoholic Cabernet Sauvignon 75cl (£3.50) were up 27%, and Co-op Irresistible Sparkling Non Alcoholic Muscat White 750ml (£2.80 75cl) rose 17%.
Head of Product and Category, Martin Hill said, “Shoppers choices are clearly influenced by the desire to be healthier as the new year begins.
“Central England Co-operative offers a great range of fruit and vegetables, healthy convenience foods and non-alcoholic beverages to choose from in order to help customers in their new year health kick.”