Healthy living on the rise for Australia's groceries

A survey revealed that six in 10 Australians seek out healthier products.

Australia’s grocery retailers have been putting health as a key part of their strategies and using the opportunity to help drive differentiation in their offers, as health and wellness continued to grow in prominence in the country, IGD reported.

Shoppers have been more aware of their diets, with a recent survey by Woolworths revealing that 60% of Australians seek out products that are healthier for them.

For example, Coles' Healthier Living campaign has been offering daily special offers, recipe inspiration, and fitness tips from Australian sports stars over a 28-day period. It has also been rewarding shoppers with double flybuys points on all fresh fruit and vegetables and selected Coles Brand products.

At the same time, for the last few years retailers in Australia have been growing their focus on ensuring that their businesses have a positive impact beyond their core operations, further thrown into the spotlight over the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a key part of retailer’s strategies, IGD expected this trend of responsible retailing to grow in importance over the next 12 months and beyond, with partnerships a key element helping retailers bring initiatives to life.

For example, Aldi has committed that 100% of its operations will be powered by renewable energy by the end of 2021. Solar and wind power will supply electricity for all of its over 550 stores and eight distribution centres around the country.