Dried Fruits and Nuts: Evolving into a New Culinary Spotlight Amid Growing Health Consciousness.
The demand for healthy ingredients has expanded since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.
2022 to October 2023. The cumulative value point index (PI) for this period shows a 0.9% year-over-year increase, reaching 1,018 yen, while the quantity PI experiences a 5.2% decrease, settling at 3.3. Delving into monthly fluctuations, February, March, and the summer months of August and September in 2023 dip below the previous year, but the other months showcase a resilient performance. May, in particular, shines with an impressive 7.5% year-over-year surge.
The dry fruits category spans a diverse array, including raisins, prunes, figs, citrus fruits, and berries. Similar to nuts like almonds and walnuts, many of these offerings are imported, contributing to the global allure of this market segment. Among dry fruits, raisins, commonly used in bread and confectionery, dominate the market with their overwhelming market share. However, in the realm of ready-to-eat options, prunes take the lead.
Prunes boast a myriad of health benefits, containing Vitamin A for skin and mucous membrane health, Vitamin K for bone formation, Vitamin B group for metabolism, Vitamin E for cell protection, along with potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and dietary fiber. Notably, prunes are a low glycemic index (GI) food, making them an appealing choice for those seeking foods with minimal impact on blood sugar levels.
Dried fruits and nuts, once confectionery and drink accompaniments, now stand as nutrient-rich health foods. Despite expanding into produce sections, consumers remain unsure about incorporating them into their diets. The pandemic heightened health awareness, broadening the consumer base. To encourage trials, using displays and cross-merchandising with everyday ingredients is crucial. Extending to produce sections, breakfast displays, and low-carb diet recommendations can foster demand for these items.
Source: DIAMOND Chain store 2023/12/28.