Research by Central England Co-op reveals effect of new year’s resolutions on shoppers’ choices

Posted by stephanie forrester | Published: 05/01/2019


Central England Co-operative has revealed the findings of research into shoppers’ habits as many look to make changes in a bid for a healthier lifestyle by making new year’s resolutions.

New research conducted by the Society involving over 200 food stores spread across 16 counties has found increased sales of certain products which are sought out by shoppers seeking healthier options.

Drinking more water is a simple change that many people commit to after the festivities are over and January 2018 sales of Co-op Fairbourne Springs Still Water increased by 20% compared to the first month of the previous year. For those switching to a different kind of bubbly in the new year, sales of Co-op Fairbourne Springs Sparkling Water were up by 28%.

Despite the wintry weather in January, sales of salad vegetables increased with whole cucumbers (57p each) flying off the shelves and seeing a 59% increase year on year, along with peppers (£1 for a twin pack) up by 41%.

The challenge of going ‘dry’ in January is undertaken by many in an effort to cut down on alcohol after taking in a tipple or two over Christmas and New Year. This is backed up after Central England Co-op research showed that sales of non-alcoholic drinks increased an average of 23% in January 2018 compared to the previous year.

However, it seems customers still like the experience of having a drink, but forego the booze by choosing alcohol-free versions. Sales of Kopparberg Non Alcoholic Pear Cider (£1.35 500ml) were up 34%, Eisberg Non Alcoholic Cabernet Sauvignon 75cl (£3.50) were up 27%, and Co-op Irresistible Sparkling Non Alcoholic Muscat White 750ml (£2.80 75cl) rose 17%.

Head of Product and Category, Martin Hill said: “Shoppers choices are clearly influenced by the desire to be healthier as the new year begins.

“Central England Co-operative offers a great range of fruit and vegetables, healthy convenience foods and non-alcoholic beverages to choose from in order to help customers in their new year health kick.”

Keep up to date with the latest food offers by visiting www.centralengland.coop/deals/

 

Notes to editors

About Central England Co-operative

Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK. 

It is a modern, forward-looking organisation employing over 8,000 staff, with the Society’s principal areas of activity being food, funeral services, and property investment.

Central England Co-operative has over 400 trading outlets across 16 counties including; West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.  The Society has an ambitious food store development programme for 2018.

Central England Co-operative is proud of its reputation for ethical business practices and corporate responsibility.  It is a member of Business in the Community, the membership organisation that stands for responsible business, and has also won many business awards for excellence.  The Society supports a number of charities including Dementia UK and invests a percentage of its trading profit into local communities.

Becoming a member of Central England Co-operative offers a whole host of benefits ranging from collecting points every time you spend in store to earn a share of the profits, access to members activities and community initiatives including the Community Dividend Fund, which hands out grants of up to £5,000 to charities and good causes across the Society’s trading estate.

Find out how to become a Central England Co-operative member by calling 0800 0501 601, emailing members@centralengland.coop or visiting https://www.members.coop

For more information visit www.centralengland.coop, follow Central England Co-operative on Twitter: @mycoopfood, and on Facebook: facebook.com/centralenglandcooperative

Rob Smyth at Central England Co-operative on 01543 414140

Email – publicrelations@centralengland.coop