Superfoods is an key growth area that is proving to be one to watch in the European grocery market for 2015.
According to market research company Global Industry Analysts, the worldwide market for superfoods is predicted to reach $130 billion in 2015.
Leading European supermarkets are adding superfoods products lines - both the A-brands and own-label offerings - to meet this growing consumer demand for nutrient-rich ingredients for dietary and juicing purposes.
UK superfoods company Supernutrients has ranked in the Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 league table. Founded in 2006, the importer and wholesaler handles 60 nutrient-rich superfoods, such as goji berries, chia seeds, coconut powder and wheatgrass.
Supernutrients, which currently employs 25 people, recorded sales of £7.1m in 2014. Commenting on the company’s entry into the Sunday Times table, managing director Martin Kemp said: "It directly affirms the enduring principles of hard work, integrity and reliability upon which Supernutrients is built".
Its sister brand, Naturya, supplies a premium line of superfoods, which will be extended with the addition of three new products this year.
Gourmet Spirulina has developed a range of raw Spirulina products - the microscopic equatorial algae is today mostly used as a dietary supplement with it being rich in vitamins, iron and antioxidants. The Gourmet Spirulina range - Crunchies, Nibs and Petals - vary in texture and taste, depending on the drying process and the region they are grown.
Gourmet Spirulina says it has a strong ethical approach that is present in all stages of its business - "a fair trade, integrated supply chain with a strong humanitarian component".
The producer said: "For every kilogram of spirulina purchased from Burkina Faso, roughly the same quantity is used by the NGO partner to fight against malnutrition. The Gourmet Spirulina range carries the Made in Respect logo, a fair trade certification audited by Ecocert, and is registered with The Vegan Society and approved by The Vegetarian Society."
Xenca's Five a Day+V natural super green food supplement has many reported health benefits - boosting energy, aid detoxification, improving recovery and mental concentration.
According to the producer, each recommended serving of this powerful green, vegan-friendly supplement provides the nutritional equivalent of 5 – 7 servings of fresh fruit and vegetables in one go. "A convenient way of guaranteeing a healthy intake of natural enzymes, vitamins, minerals, proteins and antioxidants," said the company.
Nutritionist Christine Bailey says her new book 'Supercharged Juices and Smoothies' focuses on intergrating superfood ingredients into "healthy juices and smoothies to boost health instantly". Bailey uses ingredients such as sea vegetables, herbs, teas, and tinctures in the book's recipes.
© 2015 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news.
