Recent research by GfK as well as Kantar shows that, even in these uncertain times, consumers in the European Union and the United Kingdom remain motivated to make healthy food choices. But how do you go from intending to actually taking action? Via Instagram, nutritionist Manon Wouters inspires more than 70.000 followers to add fresh vegetables to their daily diet.
That is why Growers United recently started a collaboration with her. At the Global Tomato Congress 2022 Manon spoke to Perry Dekkers, commercial director at Growers United. She presented several smart tips to gently push shoppers into the right direction. Curious about these three tips? Check our new/latest blog!
Inspiring shoppers with three smart tips
Social media are an accessible way to encourage shoppers to choose healthy food and fresh vegetables. At the Global Tomato Congress 2022 , Manon gave three smart tips such as introducing food swaps, cooking food yourself and starting the day with fresh vegetables.
#1 Simple food swaps
‘An easy way to learn healthy habits is introducing food swaps. Here, shoppers choose a healthier option of a well-known dish or quick snack. Think of a vegetarian spaghetti Bolognese with fresh vegetables, instead of a pasta carbonara or a handful of snacking tomatoes, instead of a granola bar. Not only do these healthy options contain less calories, but also more vitamins, minerals, and fibres. A genuine win-win situation.’
#2 Getting busy in the kitchen
‘A growing trend is the preference for unprocessed, pure food and dishes with a minimum amount of ingredients. Unprocessed products are healthier than processed food and generally contain more fibres, vitamins, and minerals. As most products in the supermarket are heavily processed – think of ready-made soups, sauces, and salads – more shoppers mention they prefer to prepare their own dishes. It allows them to keep an eye on ingredients and costs, as cooking your own meals also often means spending less on groceries. A pasta sauce from the supermarket easily costs twice as much as a home-made sauce with fresh vegetables.’
#3 Starting with fresh vegetables
‘Why wait with eating fresh vegetables until lunch time? Breakfast already offers the opportunity to include a healthy dose of vitamins, and minerals. Think of an omelette with fresh vegetables, an avocado-tomato toast, or a quick smoothie full of fruit and veg. It means you can immediately include an important part of your daily vitamins and fibres, as well as create enough energy for a busy (working) day. What is more, research shows that making healthy food choices in the morning, helps you to continue doing so during the day. You start the day with a head start!’
Leading role for the tomato in fabulous four-course menu
Next to these tips, this year’s Tomato Times Challenge was another topic at the Global Tomato Congress. On Instagram, Manon asked her followers which steps they are already taking when making healthy food choices.
‘At the end of June, five winners (and their guests) were invited by Prominent, the tomato brand of Growers United at the hip Haarlem restaurant DeDAKKAS,’ Manon explains. ‘They were served a fabulous four-course menu with a leading role for the tomato. We started with an Italian burrata and cherry-plum tomatoes, followed by a Spanish salmorejo – a chilled tomato soup – and as a main course Italian ravioli with tomato sauces, foam, and crisps. Then we enjoyed a dessert of vanilla pancetta in a summery soup of tomatoes, strawberries, and cava as a festive finale.’
‘This shows that a little creativity will take you a long way. Fresh vegetables can be added to our daily diet at anytime and anywhere; from a simple snack to a delicious (and healthy) dish.
Growers United is eager to gently push consumers into the right direction. Curious to know how we encourage them to add more fresh vegetables to their daily diet? Do not hesitate to get in touch a growersunited.nl/en/healthy-people/consumer or get in touch, via marketing@growersunited.nl or +31 (0)174 238 000.