Younger Australians don’t eat sandwiches anymore: ASA
In a research conducted for 9 months ending in March 2011 by the NPD Group’s CREST service, consumers aged 18-24 years showed a decline of 19% in sandwich consumption.
The Australian Sandwich Association announced that the local food service industry may be affected with the reported decline.
Retail sales for food service providers specialising in sandwiches amounted to $7.6 billion for the 12 months ending in March 2011.
“The huge declines in sandwich consumption by 18 to 24 year olds should be of real concern to café owners and foodservice professionals specialising in sandwiches. This is the age group that is making food purchasing decisions for the first time and setting a pattern for future food consumption in Australia,” said Graeme McCormack, Executive Director of the Australasian Sandwich Association. “If younger people turn away from sandwiches, it means that the next generation of sandwich consumers and café clientele may be lost.”
McCormack further stated that programs like Masterchef has created a new trend for youngsters to look for more from their lunches, raising the standards for consumption. Add to that the growth in awareness for the need to eat healthy.
Promotion strategies such as the development of The Australian Sandwich Association has been recently established to help sandwiches back on the plates of the young Australians. This has been done with the support of its inaugural members, including major players, GWF Foodservice and Fonterra.
The Australasian Sandwich Association is set to raise community awareness for the country’s lunchtime heroes through activities including a Kid’s Sandwich Masterclass at Crave International Food Festival, National Sandwich Week in October and the Great Australian Sandwichship program.
