An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away, Right?

This English phrase, that was first recorded in 1922, does not have as much impact as it should have. Nowadays, shoppers prefer eating sugary and/or greasy snacks. But why? This blog analyses the various reasons behind this unhealthy trend.

Different Times, Different Eating Habits

Every target group shows different eating habits than they did twenty years ago. At the time, it was common to have breakfast, lunch and dinner together. Fruit and vegetables were part of those meals. Our current eating pattern has become an individual affair and it is spread out over the day. When it comes to food, we often go for convenient options and a healthy portion of fruit and vegetables does not seem a priority.

Unhealthy Snacks Are Cheaper and Widely Available

Nowadays, convenience plays an important role in our decision making and that also counts for choosing snacks. Why would you cut and peel fruit and vegetables yourself, when they are sold pre-cut? Although, when it comes to the fruit and vegetable industry, ‘convenience’ means paying extra. Not only are chocolate bars cheaper, these sugary and/or greasy options are widely available too; at service and train stations for example, in vending machines and at the check-out of various shops.

Powerful Multinationals vs The Fruit and Vegetable Industry

Even health-conscious shoppers cannot get direct access to information that could stimulate making healthy choices. Thanks to the impressive lobby and marketing campaigns of large multinationals their ‘healthy snacks’ will always get an advantage. At the same time, the fruit and vegetable industry is not allowed to make any health claims. A real shame when you realise that fruit and vegetables are low in calories, but high in fibre, vitamins and minerals.

The Fruit and Vegetable Industry Keeps Promoting Good Health

The fruit and vegetable industry keeps innovating and stays aware of trends and the market’s needs. In the meantime, snack packs containing fruit and vegetables and other healthy convenience products are becoming standard grocery items. That is great news! If these healthy options would become available at more prominent places, the recent WHO norm of consuming 400 grams of fruit and vegetables per day could get a new impulse.

Are you inspired by our words and interested in reaching shoppers more effectively? Do not hesitate to get in touch with Wim van den Berg: w.vandenberg@doorpartners.nl or +31 (0)6 5756 4346.

The sales, marketing and quality control of Prominent tomatoes are handled by Door Partners B.V. This sales subsidiary forms part of the Grower Cooperative DOOR U.A.