Asian Consumers Spend More on Health Foods

According to the latest TNS Asiapanel consumer purchasing data released recently, more consumers than ever are making a move towards a healthier lifestyle.

Based on the responses of a representative panel of nearly 40,000 households in eight countries around the Asian region, this apparent concern amongst shoppers, evidenced by significant year on year growth in spending on health foods, is the number one 'Mega Trend' in consumer behaviour.

Revealed as the most health conscious are the Taiwanese consumers. In 2004, over 50 per cent of the total grocery bill of each Taiwanese household was spent on healthy products. Showing similar increases to Taiwan is Vietnam -- the country in which more households than any other (90%) expressed a willingness to pay more for health foods and drinks.

Comparing the percentage of overweight or obese by country, Asia is fairing much better than the Western World although this epidemic seems to be catching up. To explain this phenomenon, the latest TNS Asiapanel consumer purchasing data also revealed a significant growth for snack foods purchased by consumers in several countries. For instance, there was a massive 91 per cent year on year increase of snacking products purchase in Vietnam. Given this growth, the explosion in snack food consumption could potentially see the country's currently low incidence of obesity rise.

For further information about the survey, visit www.tns-global.com

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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