While there are many things out of our control, for the new back-to-school season, Retail World shines a light on what we can control (or at least try to control when it comes to children): what we consume.
Retail World spoke with pharmacist Sylvia Vyoung on what will strengthen people’s immunities.
“Eating a balanced healthy diet and drinking plenty of water,” she says, adding that fruit and vegetables are packed with essential vitamins such as vitamin D, minerals such as selenium and zinc, and antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotenes and vitamin E that can boost the immune system.
Australian Pure Fruits National Merchandise Manager Roger Gentile says there’s no stopping the health trend.
“Many of the distributors delivering to schools have had to change products they’ve previously been supplying,” he says, citing a strong push for healthier beverages to be provided.
He also claims the smoothies from Australian Pure Fruits contain natural ingredients, with no preservatives, no added sugar and no added flavours, and are not sourced from concentrate but all made from fruit and vegetables with vitamin C added.
“Healthy choices often start with buying the right products at store, so retailers focusing on better-for-you products will help shoppers navigate the snacking aisle better,” says Alice Green, Brand Manager for Nice & Natural and Salty & Wrapped Snacks at New Zealand based Griffin’s Food Company.
“In the current climate, taking care of our health and our kids’ health is more important than ever. At Nice & Natural we know that finding nutritious, convenient and great-tasting snacks can be a challenge.”
Human Bean Co Chief Bean Officer Angus Wood discusses the critical role that businesses in the FMCG industry play in encouraging healthy eating among children.
“Many young Aussies go to school without a balanced diet or without any lunch,” he says. “Some even have no breakfast. This compromises their learning ability, emotional wellbeing and mental health.
“Kids were less active when they were homebound last year,” he says. “Now it’s the perfect time to reset, restart and refocus on developing a well-balanced diet and lifestyle.”
Click here to read the full back-to-school feature in the latest Retail World.