The increase in demand from consumers is driving the supply of superfoods on supermarket shelves. The upward trend has increased their consumption by 4% in just the last few months. Concern for health and interest in discovering new flavors from exotic sources are the main motivations for consumers and a great business opportunity for importers of emerging products.According to data from the Nielsen report, Consumer Confidence Q2 2016, this is not just a passing consumer trend but one of the main demands of Spanish consumers. The purchase of superfoods has grown twice as fast as other consumer goods.The change in consumer eating habits has led to a significant increase in demand for superfoods, such as chia or quinoa. Supermarket shelves are filling up with these new foods, which are already common in shopping baskets.These emerging products are already common in Spanish shopping baskets. Foods like chia and quinoa have increased their sales by over 1,000% in the last year. The consultancy Mintel, in its report GNPD (Global New Products Database), reveals that the number of superfoods marketed between 2011 and 2015 increased by 202%. This upward trend is expected to continue, as 27% of Spanish consumers express their intention to increase consumption of superfoods, above the average of other European countries, which stands at 20%.Importers of imported superfoods are facing a great market niche with excellent future prospects. At Bull Importer, we manage the importation of superfoods from organic agriculture, all certified by internationally renowned laboratories, such as Ecocert.Bulk superfood importers can guarantee continuous supply to their customers with higher profit margins. Among all categories of organic superfoods, these are the most demanded by Bull Importer’s customers:
- Carob powder. Origin: China, Turkey, and Italy.
- Grated and desiccated coconut. Origin: Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
- Quinoa flakes or flour. Origin: Peru, Bolivia, India, and Thailand.
- Spirulina powder. Origin: China, India, USA, and Malaysia.
- Ginger. Origin: China, India, Vietnam, and Thailand.
- Psyllium husks (Indian flea or psyllium) powder. Origin: China, India, USA, and Malaysia.
- Peeled hemp seeds. Origin: China and India.
- Alfalfa seeds. Origin: China, India, Pakistan, and South Africa.
- Peeled pumpkin seeds. Origin: China, India, Thailand, and Philippines.
- Chia seeds. Origin: Mexico, Vietnam, Thailand, USA.
- Golden and brown flax seeds. Origin: China, India, Thailand, and South Africa.
- Vanilla powder. Origin: Africa, China, USA, Taiwan, and Thailand.
In addition to these new consumer preferences, it’s worth noting that the European Union has recently approved regulations aimed at improving conditions for the easier commercialization of superfoods from third countries. The new regulations will provide greater flexibility in procedures and reduce the time taken to approve the marketing of new foods.
