The large majority of the fruit that A1 Fruit supplies
is processed into freshly squeezed fruit juices.
These juices are not pasteurised or only lightly
pasteurised, thus ensuring that the true taste of
the fruit is reflected in the product and that the
nutritional content of the fruit is not lost as it
is with highly pasteurised Not From Concentrated
frozen juices and concentrated juice. They are premium
products appreciated for their natural taste and
health benefits by an increasing consumer segment.
Government sponsored initiatives such as the 5 A
Day fruit and vegetable campaign combined with increased
focus on public health have played a large part in
bringing fresh fruit products to public attention
and ensuring that demand for and sales of such goods
continue to increase.
In addition, the increasing popularity of premium
chilled foods has resulted in greater demand for
fresh products that retain as much of the taste
and nutritional goodness of the fruit as it comes
from the tree. A1 Fruit has been involved from
the beginning in this growing market sector and
counts producers of premium lines for Britain’s
leading supermarkets,(Sainsbury, Tesco, Marks & Spencer
to name but a few) as its most valued clients.
In recent years, the UK’s fresh juice industry
has continued to grow and in 2003 reached £96.4
million. We still feel there is still enormous
potential for growth, especially within younger
market segments. This potential for growth combined
with the continued trend for premium goods and
government sponsored health initiatives suggest
that the demand for freshly squeezed juice and
associated products will continue to rise in the
coming years.
Health Implications
Freshly squeezed juice and associated products
have become increasingly popular as government
agencies, aware of future health implications,
have promoted increased consumption of fresh
fruit and vegetable products. Freshly squeezed
juice and freshly prepared pre-packed fruit products
such as fruit salads have played a major role
within these initiatives as, according to government
guidelines, these count towards the 5-a-day target
for fruit and vegetable consumption. The obvious
nutritional benefit, coupled with the fact that
they are readily available in most convenience
stores and supermarkets, taste great and can
be consumed ‘on the go’ make these
products an appealing choice in today’s
hectic lifestyle.
The nutritional benefits of Vitamin C-rich products
such as Orange Juice are well documented. A single
8 ounce glass (approx 250ml) of freshly squeezed
orange juice provides 100% of the recommended daily
intake of vitamin C. In addition, researchers suggest
that vitamin C boosts immunity to cancer, cataracts,
high blood pressure and infections.
Fruit Salads/Pre-prepared fruit portions
Like Juice, the consumption of pre-packed fruit
salad portions has risen as the general public
searches for a way to balance an increasingly
hectic lifestyle with healthy eating and well-being.
Pre-packed fruit salads offer consumers an exotic
yet convenient way of achieving the daily recommended
intake of fresh fruit. What’s more they
are widely available and require no further preparation
making them an appealing lunch box or snack time
option for adults and children alike.
|
|
