Foodstuffs have released its forecast for what Kiwis will be shopping for in 2023. Frozen Foods, functional foods, value, sustainability, customisable convenience and alternative drink choices are what the cooperative expects customers to be looking for this year.
“We use a mix of analysing shopping data, customer feedback and overseas trends to predict what's ahead. We also work closely with customers to understand what's important to them. Times are changing, inflation and the cost of living is affecting our lives in many ways, including how we shop,” said Chris Day, Foodstuffs Head of Customer Insights and Intelligence.
Frozen Food
Frozen food sales have increased by four percent over the past year, as the frozen aisle provides great value for money with little to no waste. It provides frozen foods that also fall into the wellness category and are convenience meals.
“Frozen has just been on the up, and up, people are starting to see that frozen doesn't mean a lack of quality, it can be another really convenient, easy way for people to make their food and money go a bit further,”
Functional Food
“We’ve seen lots of added fibre foods, tummy tonics and added probiotic yogurts and fermented foods being really popular recently, and this is something we’ll continue to see across 2023 as Kiwis try to look after themselves from the inside out.”
Value
“Over Christmas, we saw Pams go off with our customers looking for great tasting, affordable options to feed their whanau. Whether it was smoked salmon, mixed savouries or vege sausies for the BBQ kiwis were and still are loving the Pams range.”
Sustainability
Customers are taking advantage of a number of products that are diverting food waste from landfill. The Citizen Collectives beer made from unsold bread and Perfect Deli Fresh’s pet food from New World butchery trimmings are proving to be popular. Products from New World’s FooStarter competition are also popular.
Customisable Convenience
The New World meal kits have been incredibly popular as customers want to be creative in the kitchen but are under everyday time pressures.
“At $6.25 per serve, these kits are fantastic value for money, reduce waste and help customers who are looking for a quick and easy meal solution without the dreaded 3pm ‘what’s for dinner conversation’.”
Alternative Drink Choices
“In 2022 we saw sales in our non-alcoholic wine sales double, and thanks to some truly genius work in the craft beer space, interest in our beer chiller options rose 40 percent.”
