To quantify the Australian public’s receptiveness to a healthy diet and lifestyle, IBISWorld compiled an index of health indicators, known as the health consciousness index.
Released this week, the health consciousness index has predicted what Australia’s smoking rate, alcohol consumption rate, fruit and vegetable intake and obesity levels will be like over the next five years.
Smoking rate
“The first increase in the tobacco excise [an increase in tobacco prices] in September 2017 is expected to continue encouraging smokers to quit due to the high cost of tobacco. An increase in the tobacco excise is also expected to negatively affect sales for the tobacconists and specialised grocery retailing industry,” explained IBISWorld industry analyst Bao Vuong.
IBISWorld predicted that household tobacco expenditure would only be 1.2 per cent by 2023.
Alcohol consumption
Alcohol consumption per capita is excepted to drop as well, following the decrease in consumption last year.
While consumption of beer, wine, RTDs and spirits are down, cider consumption is up: “Consumer tastes are projected to continue shifting towards locally produced premium products from craft cider breweries over the next five years, contributing to solid growth in the cider production industry.” Vuong explained.
Fruit and veg consumption
Fruit and vegetable consumption is expected to fall by 1.4% as the availability of vegetables is expected to weaken following less favourable weather. It is also anticipated that vegetable prices will rise.
However, Australia’s ageing population will likely boost fruit and vegetable consumption over the next five years. Older individuals typically consume a higher volume of fruit and vegetables compared with young and middle-aged individuals. As the proportion of Australia’s population aged over 50 increases over the next five years, average per capita fruit and vegetable consumption is also likely to rise again.
Obesity levels
The ageing population is anticipated to continue driving growth in the obesity rate over the next five years to 65.2 per cent of over 18s being considered obese.
“As obesity levels in Australia increase, more consumers will become more likely to consider weight loss options. This is anticipated to benefit operators in the weight loss services industry.”’ explained Vuong.
