Fresh Food

Sales of pulses experienced positive growth across all channels as consumers prioritised affordability. After a decline in retail volume terms in 2022 due to a general increase in food prices, the category saw a partial recovery in 2023. It is…

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) reported a significant slowdown in disposable incomes in the first quarter of 2023. The impact of high inflation and rising interest rates resulted in a household debt-to-income ratio increasing from 61.6% to…

Across meat and seafood, there is a noticeable shift in consumer preferences. Factors such as rising prices, economic constraints, and health awareness have prompted consumers to reconsider their protein sources. In meats, red meat consumption…

Beans are perceived as a basic staple by Mexican consumers with these products being used in a wide range of traditional dishes. Furthermore, in times of economic difficulties, they are often seen as an affordable substitute for meat in some popular…

Total volume sales of pulses in Japan continue to grow in 2023, albeit slowly, mainly driven by the further rebound of foodservice. Throughout 2020 and 2021, foodservice volume sales of pulses in Japan suffered, as several cities, such as Tokyo,…

After a 2022 marked by a drop in consumption in retail volume terms, the pulses category returned to growth in Italy during 2023. This positive signal involved both the production and consumption of pulses in the country. On the production side,…

In India, pulses is set to maintain solid total volume growth in 2023, with increases across all categories. Pulses continue to feature prominently in a wide array of traditional dishes in the country, ranging from dals (lentil soups) to curries.…

In 2023, peas generally remained popular in Germany because they are deemed easy to use, have a mild taste, and are budget-friendly, which matters when prices are rising. Germans tend to eat peas in salads during the summer and in soups and stews in…

The performance of pulses tends to vary depending on economic factors. For example, tinned and canned pulses are perceived as offering better value-for-money as they require less cooking time and are more convenience, whilst fresh pulses need more…

In 2022, total volume sales of pulses declined due to disrupted logistics caused by the ongoing impact of the pandemic in China and shortened operating hours for physical foodservice establishments, with this channel holding considerable share of…

Throughout 2023, Brazilian agricultural production faced various challenges, predominantly from adverse weather conditions that impacted the harvest of key crops. For consumers in Brazil, these complications were reflected through rising price…

Despite the gradual normalisation following the impacts created by the era of the pandemic, 2023 has ushered in fresh challenges for both consumers and producers, amplifying instability and uncertainty. The persistently high logistics costs…

This report analyses how premiumisation is adopted in Asian food markets – a strategy to draw value growth in a challenging economic environment. Distilling consumer motivations to spend and key categories that show persistent growth despite unit…

Interest in plant-based eating and alternative proteins in the Middle East and Africa had been steadily rising pre-pandemic and was further accelerated by consumers looking at healthier options. The Middle East and Africa has the lowest per capita…

Plant-based eating and alternative proteins are on the rise. More consumers are limiting consumption of animal agriculture-derived products, and this dynamic segment of food and nutrition is home to continuing innovation. Health, sustainability and…

Organic food has grown in 2020 despite its premium price points, amid the worst global economic crisis in decades. The briefing explores the reasons for this expansion, including the focus on health and food safety, the importance of sustainability…

In 2023, nuts recorded a significant rate of volume growth, particularly in the foodservice sector, driven by the increasing number of tourists visiting Vietnam. The impact of inflation and a sluggish economy led to changes in people's spending…

Supply chain disruptions and heightened inflationary pressure continue to present challenges across all packaged food and fresh food categories. Food markets face a particular test with elevated inflation, even as the pandemic’s effects on markets…

Most fresh food categories were negatively impacted by extreme weather conditions in the UK and other countries over 2022 and 2023, which fluctuated between extreme heat and droughts and very wet climates. However, this was not the case for nuts, as…

The number of consumers in the United Arab Emirates who are switching to plant-based diets is on the rise. In particular, nuts are a popular plant-based source of protein and are being increasingly incorporated into consumers’ diets. They provide…