When fresh tomatoes are eatennIn the past year there were 3.6 billion fresh tomato occasions, a growth of 2% vs last year
nFresh tomatoes feature at 6% of all meals and snacks
n63% of fresh tomatoes are eaten by the 45+
nHealth is the number one reason for eating tomatoes A growing reliance on healthier accompaniments Adults over 45 years are the heaviest consumers of fresh tomatoes, accounting for 63% of all tomatoes consumed.
This is one of the key groups driving the growth in fresh tomatoes, having increased consumption by 4% in the past year. A major reason for this growth has been the increase in sandwich consumption by the 45+. With 19% of their sandwiches featuring tomato; as a function of eating more sandwiches, 45+ consumers are also eating more tomatoes.
Some 34% of fresh tomatoes are eaten for lunch in the home and a further 11% as part of a lunchbox. 45% of in-home lunches and a massive three-quarters of lunchboxes feature a sandwich and 13% of all sandwiches feature tomato as a filling.
Health is the no.1 reason for consuming fresh tomatoes - 46% are consumed because of health reasons. Tomatoes are more likely to be consumed for health reasons when eaten with other salad vegetables, meats, fruit and soft cheeses.
With health continuing to grow in importance, fresh tomatoes will potentially become increasingly reliant on these categories and will start to break away from the traditional sandwich link.
However, one quarter of tomatoes are consumed for enjoyment reasons, so health is not the only driver.
Produced for The Grocer by TNS. Year to November 2004.
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