March 2013

Eating Healthy in America

For all of this country’s bad eating habits and off-the-scale obesity rates, healthy eating is becoming more important to more people, driven especially by baby boomers. But Gen X and millennials are not far behind – they are much more aware of natural food and organic food benefits, and are also big proponents of the locavore movement.

This issue of Gourmet Business takes a deep dive into the healthy eating trends in America, kicking off with Joanne Friedrick’s article, “First Came the ‘Boom,’ Then the Natural Products Explosion,” page 7, which explores how the hippies and “granola heads” of the ’60s still like their foods natural and labels clean. Of course, their interest is also fueled by how much more available natural and organic products are today, and that they taste better and are more affordable than in days past.

Joanne also takes a look at the changing face of breakfast, in “Breakfast Redux: A New Take on the Morning Meal,” page 12, which offers specialty retailers myriad opportunities to sell better-for-you options, new and unique mixes, cereals, condiments, and other morning meal accompaniments.

On the housewares side of the business, Jennifer White Karp explores the juicing and dehydrating craze, on page 23, as consumers seek healthy beverage options and snacking alternatives. Turns out Americans are on a juicing craze for a variety of reasons – from wanting to lose weight or feel more energetic to the desire for clearer skin. The big impetus, however, is most Americans have a hard time eating (or getting their kids to eat) their six to eight servings of fruits and vegetables daily, but drinking them is easier.

And according to recent data, from November 2011 to November 2012, sales of home juice extractors increased 71 percent, according to market research firm The NPD Group. It’s no wonder manufacturers are cranking out new versions of juicers with enhanced benefits, and specialty and housewares retailers are paying such close attention.

Maureen Azzato

Managing Editor

Gourmet Business

mazzato@gourmetbusiness.com