Raw food diets are becoming more and more popular, and launches of ''raw''-labelled food and drink products in Europe are increasing. Research from Mintel reveals that Germany is taking the European lead in these “raw” launches, having introduced one out of 10 “raw” food and drink products in the region in 2015.
This is more than double compared to 2014, when only 4.5% of the total “raw”-labelled products were introduced in Germany. Meanwhile, France – the second biggest player in the European “raw” field – accounted for 8% of product launches last year, followed by the UK (7%) and Finland (5%).
Commenting on the trend for “raw”, Julia Büch, Food and Drink Analyst at Mintel, says: “The raw diet promotes the consumption of uncooked, unprocessed or minimally processed food and drink as a means of a healthier lifestyle. The concept is based on ingredients that have been heated to a temperature below 48°C in order to preserve enzymes and nutrients. While the raw market is still very niche, it offers plenty of opportunities for manufacturers, as the healthy lifestyle trend takes off in Germany.”
In a 2015 Mintel survey, over one third of German consumers claimed to avoid food and drinks containing artificial additives or preservatives. What’s more, 20% of Germans said they bought more organic food and drink compared to a year ago, and 16% of German consumer said they were buying more food and drink products made with extra care and attention.
Source: newfoodmagazine.com