EHL Sees Surge in Demand for ‘Superfoods’

09 May 2017 --- EHL Ingredients has seen a surge in demand for healthy ingredients and ‘superfoods’ during the last 12 months.

The leading importer, blender and packer of food ingredients has seen an increase in sales of the most popular ‘superfood’ products. These include chia seeds, which have seen an 20 per cent popularity surge, ginger (18 per cent), almonds (15 per cent) and lentils (20 per cent).

This rise in popularity can be attributed to the high nutritional value and the recent positive media coverage of these ingredients, now hailed as ‘superfoods’. Chia seeds are recommended as a strong source of Omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for eye and heart health, and ginger is promoted as an effective anti-inflammatory. 

A 2016 report by PwC showed that healthy eating is increasingly on consumers’ agendas, and is particularly important to millennials (18-34 year olds), of which almost half had changed their diet to include healthier options. 

To keep up with this new surge in consumer demand, food manufacturers and wholesalers are stocking up on these highly sought-after ingredients to deliver meals and products that are more in line with changing tastes.

Christine Peers, sales director at EHL Ingredients, says: “The health benefits of these ingredients and the support of the media have led to a prominent surge in their popularity among the wholesalers and manufacturers we work with.”

“People are seeking ways to live healthier lifestyles, and are naturally looking to make changes to their diets to reap the health benefits associated with certain ingredients.”

“Another benefit adding to the appeal of these ingredients is their versatility. Chia seeds are great as an easy breakfast addition, especially when added to porridge and yoghurt, and lentils, nuts and ginger are fantastic in soups and curries,” she explains. 

“We expect to see continued upward trends in sales and demand for products like these as the general public becomes more and more discerning when it comes to choosing healthy ingredients.”

Earlier this year EHL also reported a 10 per cent rise in demand for their turmeric products in the last 12 months. Turmeric is another ingredient ranked among those with notable health benefits, and is used in everything from medicines to cosmetics and even hot drinks.

In addition to its range of healthy and superfood ingredients, EHL stocks around 200 organic ingredients, including herbs and spices, beans, lentils and peas, herbs, nuts and dried fruits, seeds and flakes, grains and rice, oils, vinegars, salts, sugars and syrups, as well as other ingredients such as flour, honey and fruit concentrates. 

EHL also offers a range of 30 organic blends, as well as bespoke organic herb and spice blends which can be sold as ready-made mixes or marinades. Its products are available to food manufacturers and meat processors, wholesalers and cash and carries, co-packers, multiple retailers, health food stores and large co-operatives.