United Fresh released its Spring Trend Report Update, saying:
As we learn to live with COVID-19 and begin the path to recovery socially and economically, New Zealand's grocery shopping trends are showing the pandemic 'hangover' still affects our weekly food shop. These trends also indicate that changes wrought by the past two years may lead to better health and wellbeing for us all. While the unprecedented consequences of the global pandemic and war in Ukraine are driving an inflation-led cost-of-living crisis, there's also a hint of sunshine in the reassessing of priorities many of us have made towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
With so much change and uncertainty permeating our lives, it's hard to imagine what the next month will bring, but we've picked out the top trends to watch for in the last quarter of the year, trends we hope will lead us all to a brighter 2023.
Post-Pandemic Diet Shifts
While we're all concerned about our health and wellbeing, a new study has found that encouraging people to eat more fruit and vegetables in our post-pandemic world could avoid up to 26 million deaths annually by 2060.
The study reveals that most pandemic recovery plans around the world prioritise economic health over physical health, which could lead to poor dietary outcomes for millions struggling with the effects of inflation. Instead, by reducing the amount of meat eaten globally, foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables will become more affordable. The subsequent increase in the consumption of this produce will reduce premature deaths from diseases such as heart disease, stroke and cancer—conditions that are also risk factors for COVID-19 patients.
It seems unlikely that countries will enforce a reduction in meat-eating. Still, a survey in May showed Kiwis are actively seeking out fruit and vegetables, with 85 percent of us recognising the importance of eating five or more servings of fruit and vegetables every day. This trend is likely to continue in the years to come.
Warm and Wet Winters Ahead
It's hard not to notice the changing weather patterns bringing more and more rain our way each winter. Unfortunately, the wet and warm conditions are also proving a challenge to the country's $6 billion horticulture industry.
Our top export-earner, kiwifruit is no exception. Industry-insiders are concerned climate changes will significantly impact the growing regions of the Bay of Plenty and Northland. Winter temperatures are predicted to be too high for the fruit, which must be chilled by frosts late in the season to develop enough sweetness.
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For more information:
United Fresh New Zealand Incorporated
PO Box 66047
Beach Haven
Auckland 0749
Tel.: +64 9 480 5057
info@unitedfresh.co.nz