Products that are experiencing the largest increase are golden linseed, which has soared by 364%, followed by poppy seeds (333%), and sunflower seeds (137%). EHL’s range of nuts is also experiencing a boost in sales, with certain nuts performing particularly well and showing strong growth. Demand for walnuts, for example, has risen by 20%, with sales for almonds up by 20% and pine nuts by 10%.
The popularity of nuts and seeds can be attributed to their inclusion in healthier snacks and energy and nutrition bars, an area that saw significant growth in the UK in 2012, with manufacturers continually looking to introduce new flavours and varieties.
A volume growth of 18% and a 20% increase in market value led to sales of £55m for the bars in the UK last year and it is thought that the area will experience a further boost as those with an interest in health and fitness seek out snacks with higher energy and protein values.
“We have seen a dramatic increase in demand for seeds and nuts over the last 12 months,” said Tasneem Backhouse, sales director at EHL Ingredients, “as UK food manufacturers look to maximise on the rise in popularity of healthier snacks, including popular seed and nut-based nutrition bars.”
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