Centra has revealed that, according to research recently conducted by RED C, Irish adults are shifting toward healthier shopping behaviour in a number of ways. A large majority (85%) of people queried as part of the online survey said they are more conscious about the products they consume compared to 12 months ago. Two thirds claimed they are making more of an effort to live healthy than before, and 4 out of 5 said they are more conscious about their food intake than they were a year ago.
Centra claims this shift in mind-set corresponds with its in-store observations: sales of nutritional bar have seen a 50% growth in the last year by Centra's measures. Salad sales are also reported to have grown 58% faster than hot deli food, and two thirds faster than the sandwich option at the cold deli. Irish adults are also drinking more water than this time a year ago, with sales growing 20% ahead of sugary alternatives.
Centra launched its Live Well programme in July 2015 in order to provide shoppers with choices and information about healthy and nutritious food. It has also been involved in a number of health-aware events and activities, such as pink walks in aid of the Irish Cancer Society's Action Breast Cancer programme. Centra claims it has since removed 125 million calories from shopper's baskets in total, as well as made sales of €17 million in Live Well products.
Sarah Keogh, a member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute who is working with the Live Well programme, said, "When we started, we found that many Centra shoppers were confused about healthy eating or thought it is simply too difficult and expensive. Centra has actively taken steps to make healthy eating easier and more convenient for people. We will continue to build on the success of our Live Well initiative and work towards a more health-aware Ireland."
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Donncha Mac Coil
