Immunity boosting F&B products see increased interest at Gulfood 2021

Certain foods and beverages that aid in boosting immunity have been drawing increased interest from retailers, experts noted at the Gulfood 2021 exhibition.

Speaking to Khaleej Times at the event, several exhibitors revealed that, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, there had been an increase in demand for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other food items that were known to boost the body’s immune system.

Mohammad Mansouri, business development manager at Fresh Fruits Company, explained that there had been a growing awareness among consumers about the benefits of eating healthy as a means of building up the body’s immune system. This has translated into a growth in the sale of fresh fruits, vegetables, and juices.

“The consumption of fruits and vegetables has increased,” he said. “While residents have been ordering food from outlets during the pandemic, they have also been cooking more at home, and preparing meals with more fresh fruits and vegetables. There has also been a noticeable increase in interest towards organic produce, and we have witnessed an increase in demand for products in this segment.”

Mansouri also revealed that there had been a noticeable increase in the demand for fresh fruit juices. “Juices, especially those with lots of Vitamin C such as orange and kiwi, are very much in demand. Our range of Hello Fruits juices that are available in the region are growing in popularity and doing very well at major retail outlets.”

He added that Fresh Fruits Company, which has a portfolio of over 25 major brands including Chiquita, Zespri, Jazz Apples, Pink Lady, and Dole, has a big role to play in the way consumers are tackling the challenges of the pandemic. The company hopes that its presence at Gulfood 2021 sends out a strong message about the importance of a healthy lifestyle in combatting the virus.

Similarly, Ourida Boulehais Bouam, owner and sales manager of Rose Delice Paris, highlighted the shift towards healthier lifestyles and consumers taking a more holistic approach towards nutrition. Rose Delice Paris, which is exhibiting at Gulfood for the first time, is showcasing its wide range of spices, honey, olive oil, and dried fruits.

“As a company, it is always important for us to observe and follow the trends in the market, and we have seen how customers have become very careful about what they are buying due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” she said. “Healthy foods and proper nutrition is nothing new in the market, but interest in various products has surged. Customers are researching various products and their health benefits and then making it a point to buy them. We are showcasing several products that are 100 per cent natural and have a wide variety of health benefits. Our honey and olive oil products in particular have gained a steady following; customers like to start their day with a spoonful of honey in their tea or warm water.”

Stephane Lacourt, CEO of Antesite, a company that specializes in concentrates that are added to water to make refreshing drinks, also acknowledged how consumers were shifting away from drinks such as sodas, which are loaded with sugars and sweeteners, and instead looking to products that have no sugar added or only contain natural sweeteners.

“The shift to natural and healthy products has been going on for a while now, but the pandemic has definitely accelerated it,” he said. “Demand for such products has increased and will continue to increase, I believe. We are hoping to showcase our special Antesite ultra concentrate formulas that are sugar-free and come in a range of different flavours such as lemon, hibiscus, and mint. Just a few drops in chilled water and you have an extremely refreshing summer drink.”

rohma@khaleejtimes.com