Health fads be damned - pass the cake

New Zealanders appear to have bucked the global trend towards low-carb diets and are leaning instead towards convenience foods.

Global sales of soy drinks rose by 31 per cent, yoghurt by 19 per cent, and eggs by 16 per cent between 2002 and 2004, according to ACNielsen's Insights on Growth in Food and Beverages.

Of the seven groups which grew more than 10 per cent, six had health or weight-loss benefits.

The global rise was to the detriment of carbohydrates such as breads and cereals, which grew by just 2 per cent to 4 per cent globally.

But AC Nielsen NZ's figures for the last year showed growth in sales of healthy foods was not as extreme.

Growth in the sale of soy drinks (7 per cent), yoghurt (9 per cent), eggs (8 per cent) and fruit and vegetables (6 per cent) was outstripped by more indulgent foods.

Chilled pudding sales rose 12 per cent, cakes 10 per cent, confectionery 8 per cent and prepared dips 11 per cent.

One of the biggest jumps in New Zealand came from energy and sports drinks, with sales up by 21 per cent.

Emma Shutes, ACNielsen's associate director of marketing in New Zealand, said diet and health trends were less pronounced here.

"The effects of Atkins and South Beach diets that promote low-carb intake have been very evident in the supermarkets in the US and elsewhere. Consumers here are generally interested in following a healthy diet, but we do not appear to be swayed by global diet fads."

Vital statistics
Sales of foods and beverages in New Zealand January 2004 to January 2005:

Healthy foods:
* Soy drinks: 7 per cent
* Nutritious snacks: 12 per cent
* Yoghurt: 9 per cent
* Fruit and vegetables: 6 per cent

Convenience:
* Energy and sports drinks: 21 per cent
* Prepared dips: 11 per cent
* Chilled desserts: 12 per cent
* Cakes: 10 per cent
* Confectionery: 8 per cent.