Keeping the Ball Rolling for UK Health and Fitness

Increased awareness of the need for a healthier lifestyle is (after all) changing the habits of the British public. Figures from the recently published Retail Pocket Book 2005 show that over half of the population make a conscious effort to maintain or improve their general health.

This has led to an increase in the majority of healthy eating sectors, including a 20.7% rise in the bio and pro-biotic yogurts sector, and a 12% rise in 'nutriceuticals'. However, the reduced fat crisp sector saw a fall of 8.1%.

Data by ACNielsen Homescan reveals that 22% of households have tried a Weight Watchers diet plan, while 33% would eat low fat versions of food in order to improve their diet plan. But despite these obvious continued shifts towards a healthier lifestyle, people are still prone to snacking. Food focus groups revealed that 14% of the total number of households are made up of 'Swift Snacking Singles' - those often too busy to have a proper meal so replace it with a snack, compared to 5.8% who fall into the 'Snack Police', where strict control of the family's diet is implemented.

Other statistics from the Retail Pocket Book reveal that value for money is still the most important factor for people when considering where to shop. In terms of favourite supermarkets, Tesco boasts the greater penetration every day of the week yet is pipped by Asda in terms of price. Asda is judged to perform the best overall for price, range, service and stock levels - but Marks & Spencer takes the honours on quality. Saturday is still the most popular day to go grocery shopping, although numbers are slightly down on last year, and Sunday is still a day of rest, with the fewest number of shoppers.

The Retail Pocket Book is a joint venture between ACNielsen and the World Advertising Research Center (WARC). Chapters include: The Economy and Consumer Spending; Demographics; The Overall Retail Picture; The Retail Landscape; Other Trade Statistics; The British Shopper; Principle Retail Enterprises; Home Shopping; Retail Crime and Prevention; Retail Advertising; International Retailing; Retailing in Ireland.

Further information on the publication can be found at www.warc.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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