The annual DEFRA Family Food Report 2005-06

Published: 04 July 2007

DEFRA’s latest Family Food report shows that the average weekly expenditure on all food and drink in the UK was £34.97 per person in 2005-06, which is 1.7% higher than in the previous year.

Bread Focus
Overall bread purchases remained static.  However purchases of wholemeal bread rose by 21% to 145 grams per week.  In contrast the market share of white bread continued to decline, with quantities purchased in the year to April 2006 down by 4.9% to 336 grams per week.  For rolls and sandwiches, quantities purchased declined by 6% to 80 grams per week.

Eating For Health
The healthy eating message is being embraced by consumers.  Fruit and vegetables purchases increased by 7.7% while sales of confectionery fell by 6.1%.  Purchases of cereals and cereal products rose by 4.8% in 2005-6, with significant increases in rice and pasta.  For oatmeal and oat products, sales increased by 32%.  Potatoes also show an increase in purchase with a 3% rise.

A key indicator that the low carb trend was a passing fad is reflected in the report's finding that since 1974 the largest increases in household purchases have been in rice, pasta and pizza.

In line with the decline in home cooking, household flour sales have fallen by 63% over the last 30 years.

Note: The annual Family Food Report was published at the end of May 2007.  It is the source of detailed statistical information on purchased quantities, expenditure and nutrient intakes derived from both household and eating out food and drink.  Data is collected for a sample of households in the United Kingdom using self-reported diaries of all purchases, including food eaten out, over a two week period.