FMCG functional food brand Nutrigums has unveiled its first expansion into the wholesale and independent retail markets with Nottingham-based The Health Store Ltd. The partnership comes amid strong UK demand for value driven, vegetarian-friendly fortified and functional food products.
Supplying customers internationally, The Health Store Ltd has traded for more than 90 years and is one of the largest wholesalers in the industry. Aligned with Nutrigums on accelerating value driven and ethical foods to the UK market, the entry into this market originated following the prediction that by 2025, vegans and vegetarians are projected to make up a quarter of the British population with just under half of all UK consumers identifying as flexitarians.
With the cost of living crisis also exposing the average household to a potential price increase of £271 per year via groceries and everyday essentials, there is a growing need for independents and wholesalers to invest in value lines for shoppers looking to watch their pennies.
According to research from the Global Wellness Institute, the global wellness industry is expected to grow at an impressive 10 percent rate YOY, where it will reach $7 trillion in 2025. Tastewise reported that 33% of consumers frequently turn to food products to meet their health needs and with new HFSS regulations set to come into force all retailers are in a race to improve healthier snacking and point-of-sale merchandising.
Fabian Whittingham, co-founder of Nutrigums, said: “There’s been an evident rise in consumers looking for functional food which will reduce health risks and promote optimum overall health benefits.
“It’s truly exciting to be growing exponentially across several markets, our products are designed to stand-out, with vegan and vegetarian credentials at the fore, and all consist of highly nutritious multi-vitamins packed with flavour. For us, it was about creating a multi-functional range that would truly aid our everyday health at a variety of ages and health needs.
“In addition, our investment in creative design has enabled us to offer exciting merchandising to not attract impulse buyers as well as those investing in their health on an ongoing basis. Nutrigums derive quality and nutritional ingredients in a form that is practical to take, our ranges are similar in appearance to conventional food formats and are designed to be consumed as part of a regular diet.”
Formulated with the plant-based category in mind, each product is formed from a pectin fruit base, instead of animal derived gelatin. The company has developed an array of beneficial gummies, from everyday use immune, hair and energy-boosting gummies to more in-vogue gummies containing hot topic ingredients such as Turmeric and Apple Cider Vinegar which are available in 60-day bottle formats (retailing from £9.99).
Now available to purchase at The Health Store Ltd. Available in widely recyclable packaging, the products are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, are cruelty-free and non-GMO.
