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HEALTHY LIVING FROM PAGE 38 Plant milk: the health factor Califia Farms Marketing Manager Australia Gemma Goorjian says that while the environmental and ethical benefits of dairy-free milk are “huge”, many people have made the switch for health reasons. “A lot of people are intolerant or allergic to dairy (in fact, only one third of adults actually produce the lactase enzyme which enables them to digest cow’s milk),” she said. “However, many plant-based milks have other wellbeing benefits, too, which adds to consumer appeal. “For example, all dairy-free milks contain no cholesterol and many actually contain more calcium, less sugar, no IGF-1 hormones and less calories than cow’s milk. Other benefits of a plant-based diet can also include lower blood pressure, reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, improved digestion, lower risk of diabetes related conditions, weight loss and boosted athletic performance.” One of the most popular dairy-free milks on the market is oat milk, with sales rising by 686 per cent in the US last year alone (Good Food Institute and Plant Based Foods Association, supplied by Califia Farms), and growth in Australia is not far behind, Ms Goorjian says. “Oat milk such as our new Oat Barista Blend not only tastes and performs closely to cow’s milk, but is also full of good fats, protein and fibre being made from whole rolled oats with no added sugar,” she said. “Now available in independent supermarkets nationally, it’s also shelf stable, which is an extra bonus in this current environment.” Better for you begins with a bee Established in 2008, Egmont Honey was founded by father and son duo Toby and James Annabel in the alpine region of New Zealand’s South Taranaki. The family owned and operated brand says it is known for producing high- quality, authentic honey, which is sold in 20 countries around the world. Consumer demand for the brand increased significantly during lockdown, Egmont says, as people around the world sought out manuka honey, which is promoted as being used to boost immunity and as part of a supplement routine, as well as a spread. “We were classed as an ‘essential business’ and online sales went through the roof,” James Annabel said, adding that larger quantities were sold to “the UK’s largest health food chain”. “We’re very grateful, but we know we’re not immune to a recession, so we’ve been cautious and realistic about our operations.” Despite this, the company is using its knowledge of bees and the products they produce to create supplements that will improve customers’ health, wellness, and skin vitality. Egmont says 800 Coles stores in Australia are now stocking the new range of its products: Royal Jelly and Collagen, Vitamin C and Manuka Honey Chews, and Propolis supplements. “It made sense to extend our popular manuka honey products, known for their health benefits, from the food aisle into the health and wellness aisles of supermarkets,” Mr Annabel said. The Royal Jelly and Collagen supplement (RRP $15.99), according to the brand, is “ideal” for those looking for natural ways to support their body’s natural function and combat signs of 40 RETAIL WORLD OCT, 2020