Health and Convenience Fuel Food Trends in Asia

Time-pressed households in South East Asia are relying on ready meals and snacks more than ever before, according to findings from the TNS Asiapanel. However, Asia is not turning into a continent of couch potatoes: the findings also indicate high levels of interest in health, diet and exercise.

The figures, based on the responses of representative panels of 40,000 households across eight countries, show a significant year-on-year growth in household spending on snack foods. The value of snack foods bought in 2004 increased by 12% in Malaysia and Vietnam, and 14% in the Philippines.

In Thailand, the market grew less quickly but is already well-established: 42% of Thai housewives admit to relying heavily on convenience foods to 'make life simpler'. 71% also say they buy take away food to eat at home on a regular basis.

Despite their reliance on snacks, these same SE Asian nations show greatest concern about health issues. Not only do more people in Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia report exercising regularly for the sake of their health than those in any other of the countries surveyed, but more than seven out of every 10 housewives in these countries say they are more worried about their health now than ever before.

Marcy Kou, MD of TNS Asiapanel suggests that, while food manufacturers have capitalised on people's need for increased convenience, they 'might be wise to look at developing new products that marry the two trends - convenience and health'.

The Asiapanel network operates consumer panels in China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, Philippines, and Japan. Services are typically based on continuously monitored samples providing information on purchasing activity. They use bar code scanners, Internet and till receipt scanning as well as paper diaries.

TNS is online at 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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