THE RISING DEMAND FOR NATURAL PET PRODUCTS

Posted on September 8, 2021September 23, 2021 by Sara Keli

We’re a nation of pet owners. That’s what the 2020 Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey found. 62% of Australians own a pet, with the majority of these, 72%, owning a dog. Other research from Animal Medicines Australia (AMA) has shown that the number of pet owners could now be as high as 69%. They estimate that more than one million additional dogs have taken up residence in Australian households since 2019.

Along with these high and increasing numbers of pet ownership, research from IbisWorld revealed that expenditure on pets has increased over the last five years, specifically calling out human-grade pet food as a growth area. The AMA research referenced above found that dog owners have spent $20.5 billion on their pets in the last year.

Another trend identified by the IbisWorld research is related to health and wellness with more and more pet owners adopting a holistic approach to their pet care. This is a sentiment echoed by Dr Edward Bassingthwaighte, a veterinarian of more than 20 years with a specialisation in holistic practices.

“The interest in holistic pet care is growing just as rapidly as it is in the human sector,” says Dr Bassingthwaighte. “People who take an interest in holistic care for themselves then naturally want to do that for their animals too.”

At Unique Health Products, we proudly stock a range of natural pet products and brands. We’ve included a selection of these products below to help you cater to the growing trend towards holistic pet care.

PLANT-BASED PET FOOD

Food for dogs, not dog food. That’s the guiding principle behind the Rascals Treats brand. The plant-based range includes a Meal Topper and a selection of Dog Treats, each with a fun name and a nourishing list of ingredients.

The human-grade, wholefood products are also free from common allergens – wheat, nuts and grains.

The premium black packaging is also home compostable, adding to the appeal for customers looking to buy sustainable brands.

Hemp Seed Oil Capsules With Turmeric by Essential Hemp may also fit the bill as a product that your customers can use for themselves and their pets.

Dr Bassingthwaighte says that “turmeric is an awesome herbal medicine for dogs, particularly for older animals. Hemp seed oil also has some benefits such as omega fatty acids.”

DOG SHAMPOO BARS

With an established reputation as a leader in producing plastic-free Solid Bars, Ethique also has a range designed specifically for dogs. With two shampoos – Bow Wow Bar and Shampooch (for sensitive pups) – and the Pawfector Conditioner, the products are available in both mini and full sizes.

With high-quality, natural ingredients such as tea tree, neem, oatmeal, coconut oil, flaxseed, cocoa butter and lemongrass, the Solid Bars are highly effective, plastic free, gentle and suitable for dogs and horses. The benefit of a Solid Bar when washing pets is that it removes the fuss of messing about with bottles, lids and pumps to make bath time that much easier.

The Australian Natural Soap Co also produces a Dog Shampoo Bar. Made with saponified rice bran oil, saponified coconut oil, saponified castor oil, eucalyptus oil, lavender oil and peppermint oil, it leaves pooches with a soft and shiny coat.

COMPOSTABLE WASTE BAGS

The Biotuff Dog Waste Bags are an eco-friendly alternative to regular dog waste bags as they are both biodegradable and home compostable. The bags are made from GMO-free, renewable, plant-based material and are an environmentally-friendly alternative to divert organic waste from landfill.

The bags are leakproof with superior puncture and heat resistance. They have a soft touch and come in packs of 60 bags (4 rolls with 15 bags each). There is a pack available with a dispenser for first time purchasers as well as refill packs for repeat buyers.

A NOD TO DOGS

For consumers who want to wear their love of dogs with pride, there are two animal-inspired Bamboo Sock styles from Funky Sock Co such as Mischievous Pugs and Sausage Dogs in Buns. Using designs from local artists, the socks make a statement while still being comfortable and breathable, as they are made with high-quality bamboo fibres.

There are also two dog-inspired prints available in the Retrokitchen 100% Biodegradable Dishcloth range – Dogs as well as Dogs & Cats. The collection includes a nod to many other animals such as cats, fish, penguins and rabbits for animal-loving, eco-conscious consumers.

STOCK UP ON NATURAL PET PRODUCTS

At Unique Health Products, we’re proud to stock all of these natural pet products and hundreds more natural health, organic, fairtrade and eco-friendly brands in our online store. You can order online 24/7 or give our friendly sales team a call on 1800 787 904. If you don’t yet have an account with us, register for a wholesale account today!

ETHIQUE CURLY HAIR

Posted on August 13, 2021September 23, 2021 by Sara Keli

You might be surprised to learn that more than 50% of the population has curly or wavy hair. While straight tresses have dominated hair styles for many years, more and more people are embracing their natural curls.

Google Trends data shows that searches for “curly hair” have steadily increased over the last five years. In one dedicated Australian curly hair Facebook group alone, there are more than 87k members.

That’s where products like Ethique Curly Hair come in. Tailored specifically to the needs of curly, wavy and coily hair, the products deliver everything textured hair types need in a zero-waste, sustainable, solid bar so consumers can #giveupthebottle, not their curls. That’s a big tick for curls… and an even bigger tick for the planet.

Just like the rest of the Ethique range, the Curly Hair products are sustainably produced, biodegradable, cruelty free, plant based and 100% plastic free. But there’s so much more to these solid bars of curly goodness to get your customers excited about.

Here’s a rundown of the products along with some helpful FAQs.

PROFESSOR CURL SOLID SHAMPOO BAR

Made with a super nourishing blend of shea butter, betaine (from beets) and cocoa butter, Professor Curl is a 100% soap-free, pH balanced formulation that gently cleanses.

Curly hair types are naturally drier. Importantly, Professor Curl nourishes the hair so as not to dry it out. It doesn’t contain any sulphates, silicones, waxes or drying alcohols. These are all common ingredients in shampoo… and the culprits when it comes to stripping essential moisture from the hair.

Formulated to work with the Curliosity Conditioner & Co-Wash Bar, it is suitable for all drying methods. The result of using Professor Curl is soft hair with defined curls.

Each Professor Curl Solid Shampoo Bar is the equivalent of three plastic bottles of liquid shampoo.

CURLIOSITY SOLID CONDITIONER & CO-WASH BAR

The hero product of the Curly Hair range, Curliosity serves as both a conditioner, co-wash and leave-in treatment to revive, restore and reinvigorate curls.

The luxurious blend of hydrating ingredients includes shea butter, jojoba, castor oil and cocoa butter. Like the Professor Curl Solid Bar, it contains none of those curl-drying ingredients like sulphates, silicones, waxes or drying alcohols.

One Curliosity Solid Conditioner & Co-wash Bar replaces nine plastic bottles of liquid conditioner.

FAQs

Do the products work with the Curly Girl Method?

If your customers have curly hair, there is a good chance they know about the Curly Girl Method. It was developed by an American hairdresser, Lorraine Massey, and has since taken on a life of its own.

The Curly Girl Method covers everything from how to wash and dry different types of curly, wavy and coily hair to styling tips and products to use. It recognises that curly hair is much drier than straight hair and instructs followers how to keep their hair moisturised so as to enhance the hair’s natural curl pattern.

An important aspect of the Curly Girl Method is the ingredients to avoid in hair care products, i.e. sulphates, waxes, silicones and drying alcohols already mentioned above.

The Ethique Curly Hair range has been developed in line with the principles of the Curly Girl Method.

What is co-washing?

Co-washing (or conditioner-washing) is one of the pillars of the Curly Girl Method. It is also sometimes referred to as ‘no poo’.

Rather than using shampoo, the Curly Girl Method advocates for washing curly hair types with a cleansing conditioner. Ethique Curliosity has been formulated for this purpose. It can also be used as a regular conditioner.

To use Ethique Curliosity as a co-wash, it should be gently massaged into the scalp to ensure dirt and oils are removed before rinsing well. I.e. it can be used in the same way a regular shampoo would be.

While Curliosity can replace shampoo in a regular curly hair routine, Ethique recommends using a foaming shampoo (such as Professor Curl) once every 3-4 weeks. This is to prevent the risk of fungal infections and also to remove any product build up that may accumulate.

Can the Ethique Curly Hair range be used with all types of curly hair?

Yes, both Professor Curl and Curliosity can be used with all wavy, curly and coily hair types (2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c, 4a, 4b and 4c).

The Curly Hair range was tested with a consumer panel prior to launch. Consumers with all curly types were included in the trial.

The results of the trial showed:

87% loved the look of their curls after using the new Curly Hair duo
88% found their hair to be softer and more manageable
87% found the duo didn’t weigh down their hair
90% would recommend to family and friends with curly hair

How do you store the Ethique Curly Hair Solid Bars?

All Ethique Solid Bars, including the new Curly Hair range should be kept dry between uses. They shouldn’t be left to stand in pooled water or get too wet.

The bars love fresh air so should be stored somewhere they can drain and get air circulation, i.e. in an Ethique Bamboo & Cornstarch Shower Container or a wire soap holder.

Why are the Curly Hair Solid Bars a different size to the rest of the Ethique Shampoo and Conditioner Bars?

The size of the Professor Curl Solid Shampoo Bar is 108g (compared to 110g for other Ethique Shampoo Bars). This slight weight difference is due to the density of the shampoo. It is still the same size and dimensions of other Ethique Shampoo Bars so it fits perfectly into the Ethique Bamboo & Cornstarch Shower Container.

Curliosity contains over 80% more conditioner than other Ethique Conditioner Bars (110g instead of 60g). When Curliosity is used as a co-wash, it uses more of the product than when used as a regular conditioner. The larger size of the bar accommodates this.

STOCK UP ON ETHIQUE AT UNIQUE HEALTH PRODUCTS

We are proudly the exclusive wholesale distributor of Ethique products in Australia. You can stock up on the innovative Ethique range, including Curly Hair, in the Unique Health Products online store. You can shop online with us 24/7, or call our friendly sales team on 1800 787 904. If you don’t have a wholesale account with us yet, you can register for one here. You’ll find Ethique alongside hundreds of other exciting natural, organic, fairtrade and eco-friendly brands.

3 NATURAL PRODUCT PACKAGING TRENDS

Posted on July 29, 2021August 5, 2021 by Sara Keli

Packaging matters. It’s often the first impression a customer will have of a product. And it can mean the difference between a product flying off the shelves… or a hidden gem sitting stagnant.

Understanding the trends in natural product packaging can help you to merchandise your store to maximise the sales opportunity. We share our insights into what’s hot in natural product packaging and why it matters to you.

GREEN… AND RED AND PINK AND BLUE…

Traditionally when people think of natural product packaging, they think green and brown. How else will people know a product is natural if the packaging isn’t green or brown?

The industry and its consumers have come a long way. Consumers are more sophisticated and educated about the benefits of natural health products. The evolution of natural product packaging reflects this shift.

Amazing Oils is one of the latest natural health brands to modernise their packaging with a bright and bold new look. Featuring colour blocks of red, blue and purple, the packaging is easy to read and presents a streamlined look on the shelf.

As you browse the shelves of our online shop, you’ll see other brands such as Ethique, Happy Way and Eden Healthfoods that are all embracing the rainbow as leaders in the industry.

With more and more retail stores moving towards the integration of natural health products alongside non-health products, including major grocery chains such as Coles, this packaging trend only serves to help natural products stand out more on shelves, boosting your sales in the process.

Health claims on natural product packaging

CALLING OUT HEALTH AND NATURAL CLAIMS

If an objection to integration is “how will people be able to identify natural health products if they are scattered through the aisles?” The answer is in the packaging.

Despite their ability to now blend somewhat seamlessly into the shelves alongside regular grocery or beauty products, natural products have a powerful tool in their arsenal. And they’re not afraid to use it.

That is, they can use their packaging to be clear about their ingredients, sustainability or natural health claims.

The packaging of ACURE skin and hair care products is simple and clean. The colour block design draws the eye of the consumer… and then they see the words “100% vegan”. Right on the front of the packaging.

It’s a similar case for Keto Naturals. While the name of the brand does give away the keto-friendly nature of the products, the front of the packaging showcases the benefits of the products – keto and paleo friendly, vegan and gluten free among them.

Macro Mike is another example of a brand that doesn’t hesitate to use prime real estate on packaging to highlight the gut-friendly, 100% natural, plant-based benefits (just to name a few) of their products.

The rising number of vegans and consumers who care about what’s inside the products they buy are looking for these claims.

THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE PACKAGING

According to the Trivium Packaging 2021 Global Buying Green Report, the sustainability of product packaging is a huge concern for consumers.

The report found that:

54% of consumers factor the sustainability of product packaging into their buying decisions
52% of consumers actively seek information on the sustainability of product packaging
73% of consumers are willing to dig deeper into their pockets to pay more for eco-friendly packaging

This is where natural product packaging has the upper hand. Like the recycled plastic packaging of Koala Eco. Or the compostable packaging of Ethique. Or the recycled cardboard tubes that house the PATCH bandages.

Brands in the natural health industry have been considering and innovating the sustainability of their packaging for many years. This is a trend that has been driven by conscious brands answering to consumer demand.

STOCK YOUR SHELVES WITH TREND NATURAL HEALTH PRODUCTS

At Unique Health Products we stock some of the biggest natural health brands in Australia. We are proud of the innovation and leading market position of our brands and the way they drive natural product packaging trends.

You can purchase from hundreds of brands online with us 24/7, or call our friendly sales team on 1800 787 904. If you don’t have a wholesale account with us yet, you can register for one here.

5 SIGNS NATURAL HEALTH HAS TURNED MAINSTREAM

Posted on July 28, 2021September 24, 2021 by Sara Keli

25 years ago, natural health was considered niche or boutique. Natural health products were found in health food speciality stores. The health food section of other stores, if there was even one at all, likely consisted of just a handful of products.

Today, it’s a completely different story. The natural health industry has undergone quite the transformation. Don’t just take our word for it. Here are five signs that the tide has turned to take natural health to the mainstream.

AISLES ARE INTEGRATING

The health food aisle has long been a staple of grocery stores. Not anymore. As we’ve been talking about for some time now, retailers of all sizes, such as Coles, are integrating natural health products throughout their stores.

You can now find the likes of brands such as Bragg, Upton’s Naturals and Banana Joe integrated into the regular grocery aisles.

Consumers can more easily find the products they’re looking for and discover new, healthier alternatives. And retailers can benefit from increased visibility and sales of the natural health products on their shelves.

PACKAGING IS EVOLVING

Alongside the move towards integration, natural product packaging has also made a mainstream shift.

As the products themselves have become more mainstream, the packaging has stepped up with bold colours, sophisticated designs and a fresh take on what natural health can look like.

Brands like Ethique, Amazing Oils, Acure and Keto Naturals are all shelf stand outs and leading the way in the future of mainstream natural health.

CONSUMER DEMAND IS GROWING

You need only look at some of the wellness trends data to see what is happening. Consumer demand for natural health products is growing… and it’s growing fast.

In FY20 there was a 46% increase in Australian grocery sales of plant-based meat products compared to the previous year.
According to research from the CSIRO, the health and wellness sector in Australia, including functional foods, free-from products and vitamins and supplements will grow at 3.6% p.a. to 2030 (compared with growth of 2.4% p.a. for the food and agribusiness industry as a whole).
From 2016-2020, the use of keto-friendly claims on products grew by 165%.

Personalised nutrition is driving consumers to seek out more products that help them to achieve their health and wellbeing goals.

INNOVATION IS THRIVING

The natural health industry is innovative by its very nature. But as brands and products have made the shift into the mainstream spotlight, the level of innovation has hit new heights.

Adaptogenic and nootropic ingredients, such as ashwagandha, reishi, rhodiola and ginseng are appearing in more and more products on the grocery shelves. Leaders in this space include Evolution Botanicals and The Ginger People. Brands such as Macro Mike and Botanika Blends are also continually innovating with flavour and product formulations.

The way these products have been embraced in the mainstream has facilitated even greater growth in innovation.

ECO-FRIENDLY IS AN EXPECTATION

Consider these statistics:

2 in 5 consumers want brands to offer more sustainable options.
6 in 10 consumers will pay more for sustainable products that support causes or have eco-friendly attributes.
Plastic waste is a concern for 84% of consumers.

Natural health brands have a head start on sustainability. They are generally more conscious of the ingredients they use and the impact of their packaging on the environment. This is now a broader expectation across the board.

Brands like CLIF, East Bali Cashews and Koala Eco focus on sustainably sourced ingredients and reducing the environmental footprint of their packaging and operations.

TOP-SELLING NATURAL HEALTH BRANDS

At Unique Health Products we are proud to stock hundreds of leading and top-selling natural health brands. Over the last 25 years we have played an important role in bringing these products to the mainstream and we are focussed on continuing to do so into the future. Shop our range online 24/7, or alternatively you can call our friendly sales team on 1800 787 904. If you don’t have a wholesale account with us yet, you can register for one here.

SUSTAINABLE BRANDS ANSWER THE CONSUMER CALL

Posted on June 25, 2021August 31, 2021 by Sara Keli

Regardless of generation or gender, the environment matters to consumers.

In one study of 2000 Australians, the researchers found that the top three overall social and economic concerns for the respondents were plastic waste, toxic chemicals and our oceans. The same study also found that 56% of people are actively searching for sustainable brands and products that support causes or have environmentally friendly attributes. As many as 6 in 10 will pay more for said products.

56% of people are actively searching for sustainable brands and products that support causes or have environmentally friendly attributes.

Equally, in another recent study on sustainability in Australia, 46% of people reported that they had stopped buying particular products due to their environmental and societal impact. 48% of people wear their choices with pride, believing that sustainable purchases are a statement of who they are and what they believe in.

At Unique Health Products, we are proud to distribute products from a large range of sustainable brands that are leaders in providing choices to address the environmental concerns of consumers.

RECYCLED PACKAGING

The statistics on plastic packaging are frightening. In Australia, one million tonnes of our annual plastic consumption is single-use plastic. And it’s not going unnoticed. 83% of people are concerned by plastic waste.

Ethique is on a mission to #giveupthebottle and revolutionise the beauty industry. To date, Ethique’s solid bars have saved more than 10 million bottles from entering landfill. The commitment from this brand to being plastic free extends right across the business. Not only are the bars plastic free, but they also use compostable packaging.

Acure is another sustainable brand, already firmly committed to sustainable and natural products, now taking further steps by removing unnecessary outer box packaging.

Similarly, household cleaning brand, Earthwise, has pledged that by 2025, 100% of their packaging will be recyclable, reusable or compostable. They are transparent on their progress and dedicated to making positive environmental change.

THE FULL PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE

The Australian Packaging Covenant has set a target for 100% of product packaging to be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025. There are many brands that are going further than that to create products that not only use sustainable packaging, but the product itself is compostable.

This approach of considering the full product life cycle caters to the growing consumer market that is concerned with their waste footprint.

PATCH is one such sustainable brand with their innovative, compostable Bandages. Not only are the PATCH Bandages made from 100% natural bamboo fibre with the added goodness of activated charcoal, aloe vera and coconut oil, but the Bandages, and their packaging, are also 100% compostable. The result is a product that is good for people and the planet.

Using bio-plastics, the Biotuff range of Bin Liners, Kitchen Tidy Bags, Nappy Waste Bags, Disposable Gloves, Cling Wrap, Sandwich Bags and Dog Waste Bags are biodegradable and compostable. Plastic bags can take between 20 and 1000 years to decompose, not to mention the other environmental impacts they can have for our oceans and animals.

REUSABLES

According to Euromonitor, the Australian ‘throw-away’ culture is being replaced with an increased movement towards reusable and refillable containers and products.

Ever Eco was an Australian pioneer as the first brand in the country to introduce Stainless Steel Drinking Straws. They have continued to lead the reusables industry and have since expanded their range to include a large number of reusables including Water Bottles, Clothes Pegs, Produce Bags, Kitchen Storage and more.

Also in the reusables market, Honeybee Wrap creates 100% organic cotton, eco alternatives to plastic wrap that can be reused time and time again.

But it’s not just food and drink related products that are driving the reusables boom. The Hello Cup replaces pads and tampons as a reusable period product alternative. Made from medical grade thermoplastic elastomer, it can be used for years, helping to reduce the 45 billion single-use period products that end up in landfill each year.

SUSTAINABLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS

In one study conducted by IBM it was found that 73% of the research participants want more than simple sustainability claims from the brands they buy. They want details about sourcing and the traceability of products and ingredients. Of those people, 71% are willing to pay a premium for products that provide that information.

This is the kind of transparency that RXBAR was founded on. Not only does every RXBAR contain clean and responsibly-sourced ingredients, those ingredients are proudly visible, front and centre on the product packaging.

The Ginger People are also steadfastly committed to sustainably sourced ingredients and have developed strong partnerships with their farmers to ensure this. By working with family farms around the world in locations such as Peru, China, Indonesia and Fiji, they create opportunities for the local people and follow bio-diverse farming practices.

Ethical sourcing is also a principle that guides the production of Dr Organic Skincare and Hair Care. The natural and plant extracts are sourced from around the world to produce luxury products that don’t cost the earth.

CARBON NEUTRAL OPERATIONS

77% of consumers are concerned about climate change. They are looking for the brands they purchase to take positive action towards reducing their carbon footprint.

CLIF is a leader in this space, having achieved their goal of carbon neutral business operations, operating on 100% green power for electricity at all CLIF facilities. Not only this, they also sustainably source their ingredients and they are committed to reaching a goal of 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025.

ENVIRONMENTAL INNOVATION

There are also many sustainable brands that are identifying innovative ways to target environmental issues.

Take People4Ocean as an example. Their range of suncare products were designed by marine biologists to be not only reef safe but also target common skin concerns related to sun exposure.

Another brand innovating for good is Natural Evolution. What started as an accidental discovery when Natural Evolution founder and second-generation banana farmer, Robert Watkins, drove over a hand of lady finger bananas has turned into a booming brand. Not only do Natural Evolution Banana Flour products have an array of health benefits, using the bananas to produce flour also helps with the issue of farmers discarding excess bananas that were unwanted by the supermarkets.

CATER TO YOUR ECO CUSTOMERS WITH OUR SUSTAINABLE BRANDS

Whatever the environmental concerns of your customers, at Unique Health Products we have brands to cater to their needs. As a retailer you can make a statement about your sustainability goals and commitments by stocking your shelves with these innovative, eco-friendly brands.

These sustainable brands and many more are available 24/7 in our online store, or alternatively you can call our friendly sales team on 1800 787 904. If you don’t have a wholesale account with us yet, you can register for one here.

TRENDS AND INSIGHTS FROM NATURALLY GOOD 2021

Posted on June 17, 2021 by Sara Keli

Over the last 25 years as a natural health products distributor, we’ve not only witnessed the industry evolve, we’re proud of the role we’ve played in that evolution. Natural health products have merged into the mainstream as more and more consumers embrace their benefits.

One thing we recognise as a business is that it’s when we come together to share, connect and learn that we see the biggest shifts. Naturally Good is one such place to do that and we were thrilled to be back at Naturally Good 2021, flying the Unique flag alongside our suppliers, retailers and industry peers.

If you weren’t able to make it to Naturally Good 2021, we wanted to share some of the learnings and insights we took away from the event so you can ride the wave of the coming industry trends.

Naturally Good 2021 insights

HOLISTIC HEALTH

Something we’ve been talking about for awhile at Unique Health Products is the more holistic nature of the modern health consumer. Today’s definition of health includes both physical and emotional aspects.

This trend towards total mind and body wellness was echoed by the IRI Analysis, 2021, which lists physical activity, diet and nutrition alongside other holistic health priorities such as sleep, rest, financial wellbeing, ethics and sustainability.

At the same time, the health foods market is growing. According to the IRI MarketEdge Grocery Scan, MAT to 03/01/21, health foods in grocery saw dollar growth of 10.7% from 2019 to 2020 to AUD$662 million. Vitamins and minerals in grocery saw 13.1% dollar growth in the same period to AUD$47.4 billion incremental dollars.

PLANT-BASED DIETS

Plant-based eating is on the rise with 65% of global consumers eating more plant-based food and beverages¹. But it’s not just vegans who are driving the plant-based trend. There are new markets of consumers turning to plants for a variety of reasons.

In Australia, 1-3% of people identify as vegan, 4-12% as vegetarian, 7-20% as flexitarian and 20-25% as meat reducers².

Interestingly, the uptake of plant-based meat alternatives is mostly driven by curiosity. While 17% of people buy plant-based meat alternatives because they are vegan or vegetarian, 19% of people do so for environmental reasons, 28% due to animal welfare concerns and 58% out of curiosity about the taste³.

But this isn’t the end of the plant-based growth phenomenon. Expect to see more in the way of adaptogenic plants, such as ashwagandha, rhodiola, maca, holy basil and eleuthero root, that can help people to cope with stress.

PROTEIN POWER

Protein has been shining in the spotlight for some time… but what next?

What is apparent from in-store promotion is that consumers see protein as permission to indulge. However, given the saturation of protein-centric SKUs in the market, the key when it comes to protein is differentiation.

That differentiation comes in a variety of different ways. The first is products that crank up the protein, such as CLIF Builders Bars. The second is in personalisation to target specific market segments⁴. It’s important to focus on the importance of protein quality with a number of plant-based protein sources, such as protein-rich pulses and carbon transformation playing a bigger role in the industry.

GUT HEALTH AND IMMUNITY

With increasing awareness and interest in products that support immunity, digestion and gut health, there also comes an opportunity for in-store education and promotion.

75% of consumers admit to learning about new products by discovering them in store⁵. It’s important to maximise shelf-ready packaging to ensure the brand and key selling points are clear to not only increase customer awareness of the product but also the ingredients used. Better-for-you bagged snacks are also playing a leading role in the future of shelf real estate.¹⁰

In this same trend, it’s worth noting that probiotic and prebiotic grocery SKUs are growing by more than 50% year on year⁶. The opportunity here is to highlight probiotic quality and strain efficacy and look for probiotics entering new categories.

Further, by integrating health products alongside non-health products on shelves you can reach new customers and demonstrate your awareness of and responsiveness to trends that are important to consumers.

AUSTRALIAN DIET TRENDS

While Australians generally have a poor diet (i.e. not enough of the recommended five food groups, with too much of the discretionary category) there is some awareness of this. 44% of consumers agree that they “follow a balanced, healthy diet” while only 12% strongly agree with this statement.⁷

At the same time, 44% of Australians are concerned about how much sugar they are consuming.⁸ Related to this, SKUs that target the no/less sugar market are seeing 17% dollar growth and 13% unit growth, both higher than the industry growth rates.⁹

The opportunity in this trend is the reinvention of low sugar indulgence with a move to clean and simple ingredients.

STAY AHEAD OF THE TRENDS

Naturally Good 2021 insights - holistic health

At Unique Health Products, we have our finger on the pulse to help you stay ahead of the trends. We distribute hundreds of brands that are leading the charge in natural health. You can shop online with us 24/7 here, or call our friendly sales team on 1800 787 904. If you don’t have a wholesale account with us yet, you can register for one here.

Sources: ¹DuPont Nutrition & Health, 2021., ²IRI Shopper Panel Survey; Essential Vision; Roy Morgan; Sydney Morning Herald., ³IRI Shopper Panel Survey, 2020; n = 1,874., ⁴IRI MarketEdge Grocery Scan, MAT to 03/01/21., ⁵IRI Shopper Panel Survey, January/February 2021 (n = 5,044); IRI Store Visits., ⁶IRI MarketEdge Grocery Scan, MAT to 03/01/21., ⁷IRI Nutrilink Shopper Panel Survey, 2020; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare., ⁸Roy Morgan, July 2020., ⁹IRI MarketEdge Grocery Scan, MAT to 03/01/21.,¹⁰IRI MarketEdge Grocery Scan, MAT To 03/01/21.

6 HEALTH AND WELLNESS TRENDS AND WHAT THEY MEAN FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Posted on May 27, 2021September 24, 2021 by Sara Keli

The beauty of the digital age is that we have so much data at our fingertips to guide decision-making in business. You don’t need to guess the wellness trends… because you can see the trends unfolding in the data right before your eyes.

Using data from Google Trends and keyword research tool, Ubersuggest, we’ve done some digging to analyse six health and wellness trends that have significantly impacted the industry over the last five years, and how you can make the most of those trends in your business.

KETOGENIC DIET

The keto diet has steadily grown in popularity over the last five years. In recent Roy Morgan research, 24% of people surveyed indicated that eating a low-fat diet is important to them. This was down from 39% in 2000. The researchers suggested that this change in the way people look at food could be due to the rising popularity of the high-fat keto diet.

Each month, more than 90,000 people in Australia search ‘ketogenic diet’, 74,000 search for ‘keto diet’ and 1,000 search for ‘keto diet vegan’ or ‘keto diet vegetarian’. Interestingly, in the last 12 months, there has also been a 50% increase in search volume for ‘keto friendly snacks’.

The opportunity: Educate your customers on the benefits of keto, tied to your keto offering. If you want to increase your keto range, brands like Keto Naturals, The Monday Food Co, PBCo. and Vitawerx have a strong keto market presence.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY

Research consistently shows that today’s consumers are concerned about the environment. This is supported by the Google Trends data, which shows movement in an upwards direction for searches related to the environmentally friendly topic.

So, what exactly are they searching for? The list is long, but there is strong growth in search volume where it matters most to you:

450% increase in ‘earth friendly cleaning’ and 60% increase in ‘eco cleaning products’
200% increase in ‘eco friendly products’
160% increase in ‘eco friendly gifts’ and 90% increase in ‘eco gifts’

The opportunity: In a climate where 2 in 5 consumers want brands to offer more sustainable/durable products, it’s time to not only increase your offering but also share your own sustainability initiatives with your customers, such as what you are doing to minimise your plastic waste and packaging.

In the eco-friendly gifts market, Summer Salt Body and Sow ‘n Sow are well established brands. Similarly, for eco-cleaning products with brands such as Earthwise, Bon Ami, Koala Eco and Planet Luxe.

SINGLE-USE PLASTIC

The facts on single-use plastic and plastic waste are frightening. It’s no wonder that this is a trending topic of concern.

With government moves in some states to ban certain single-use plastics and commitment at a federal level to phase out products such as single-use plastic straws and utensils, awareness of the topic is sure to grow.

On the topic of drinking straws alone, there were huge increases in search volume over the five year period:

1,900% increase for ‘reusable straws’
1,110% increase for ‘metal straws’ and for ‘silicone straws’
800% increase for ‘steel straws’

The opportunity: Embrace the rise of reusables and zero-waste products by minimising your use of single-use plastic bags and packaging and increasing your eco-offering with brands such as market-leader, Ethique as well as Ever Eco, Joco and Huskee.

VEGANISM

Plant-based diets are on the rise. Whether it’s vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian, search for veganism and related terms is increasing. In the last five years there has been a 160% increase in search volume for ‘plant-based diet’.

Every month more than 27,000 people search for ‘veganism’, 5,400 for ‘plant-based diet’, 1,600 for ‘plant-based meat’ and also for ‘veganism vs vegetarianism’ and 590 for ‘plant-based diets benefits’. That is a significant volume of search with an educational intent. People are curious about plant-based eating.

The opportunity: Cater to this growing market with a range of plant-based products and provide education on plant-based eating. Innovation and flavour are the key here with brands such as Upton’s Naturals, Flexible Foods and Plantasy Foods for plant-based meat alternatives or even J. Luehders vegan candy.

ORGANIC NEAR ME

There are two elements to this trend. The first is the rise of interest in organic food. The second is the shift in local search.

In the last twelve months alone, Google search frequency for ‘organic food’ increased by 190% and each month 590 people search for ‘organic skincare Australia’. Awareness of the benefits of organic is rising which is driving the shift.

The opportunity: For local businesses and shopfronts, ensure your Google My Business profile is up to date. For eCommerce stores, organic is a trending topic so highlight your organic products. This is also a good opportunity to increase your organic range with brands like Planet Organic and Eclipse Organics.

IMMUNITY

Within the health and wellness industry, immunity is one of those topics that is always prominent. In the last 12 months, immunity related keywords have seen high search volumes:

6,600 searches for immune system
4,400 searches for immunity
3,600 searches for immunity booster
2,900 searches for immunity boosting food

Anecdotally, we are also hearing that consumers are increasingly on the lookout for immunity-related products. While you can expect peaks for this during cold and flu season, this might start to even out throughout the year, depending on global events.

The opportunity: Capitalise on the immunity trend with innovative and high-quality supplements that provide natural immune system support. Brands like IMUNI, Eden Healthfoods, Martin & Pleasance and Comvita cater to this market.

STAY ON TOP OF THE LATEST WELLNESS TRENDS WITH UNIQUE HEALTH PRODUCTS

We’ve been distributors in this industry for more than 25 years. We are always ahead of the wellness trends so you can bring the latest innovations and new products to your customers. You can shop online with us 24/7 here, or call our friendly sales team on 1800 787 904. If you don’t have a wholesale account with us yet, you can register for one here.

4 HEALTH RETAIL OPPORTUNITIES TO BOOST YOUR SALES

Posted on May 27, 2021August 5, 2021 by Sara Keli

There is no doubt that the face of retail in Australia is evolving. There are hurdles to overcome… but there are also many opportunities, particularly for those in the booming health retail space.

Our Unique Health Products Sales Reps are on the road meeting with retailers every day. This gives them incredible insights into the current state of retail across a broad range of categories.

One of those Sales Reps is Laura Collins. A qualified Nutritionist, Laura has been on the Unique team for more than seven years. She knows health retail inside and out and has her finger on the pulse for what’s trending in the industry.

So we sat down with Laura to get her take on the key opportunities for natural, organic, fair-trade and eco-friendly retail today.

1. CAPITALISE ON MARKET GROWTH

In recent years, the way consumers look at health has changed. Not only is the definition of health much broader, covering everything from immunity to wellness, mindfulness and lifestyle elements of health, but it is also more mainstream.

“There is an understanding and acceptance now that health food doesn’t just belong in a health food store ,” explains Laura. “Health food often has higher margins and offers consumers a point of difference. More and more grocery, pharmacy and other specialty retailers are taking on health food products in a big way.”

There are also a number of consumer trends that are driving this mainstream shift. Plant-based eating is on the rise, as are low-carb, low-sugar and keto diets. Consumers are also far more savvy about the sustainability of products and they are actively seeking out eco-friendly options.

“Consumers are looking to brands like Ethique to reduce their reliance on plastic, or RXBAR for their super clean and transparent ingredients lists. There is so much opportunity for retailers to capitalise on.”

2. INTEGRATE YOUR SHELVES

The traditional approach to health food in Australia has been segregation. But Laura argues that integration is the future. It’s an approach that has seen much success in the USA and UK. It’s what customers want… and it’s also good for business.

“A lot of grocery stores have a health or gourmet section, but this can be quite limiting,” explains Laura. “In this case, only consumers who believe they can afford it head to that section. However, if your shelves are integrated and the health products sit alongside the rest of your range, you give customers more choice.

“I worked with some grocery stores in Sydney to integrate. The result was higher sales for those health products compared to similar stores in the same area that took a segregation approach. Where it makes sense to do so, weaving the products through the shelves can train the customer to purchase differently. Otherwise, you could be missing out on potential sales.”

Integration is better for sales and it’s also a better customer experience. By integrating all the options, from private label through to premium health brands, customers can make a simple decision without having to snake around different aisles.

3. EMBRACE NOOTROPICS AND ADAPTOGENS

Laura also asserts that the products with a hugely promising future are those with functional ingredients such as nootropics and adaptogens.

“We are an increasingly stressed society and consumers are looking for products to help their health and immunity. Natural alternatives to help with these concerns are increasingly popular. Adaptogens – such as rhodiola or siberian ginseng – can be really helpful. People can have vitamin deficiencies but also mineral deficiencies so mineral rich supplements such as Evolution Botanicals Himalayan Shilajit or Supercharged Food Fulvic Humic Concentrate are popular.

We haven’t even scratched the surface on nootropics in Australia but these ingredients may help with focus, productivity and reducing brain fog.”

4. OFFER HEALTHY SNACKING

Keto and healthy snacks are two categories that Laura can see have a big future in the Australian market. With the popularity of keto diets and consumers reaching for convenience, brands and products that combine the two, such as Keto Naturals, HeroCup or VitaWerx, are ones you want to have on your shelves.

“Anything keto and any healthy, clean snacks are huge in health retail right now,” says Laura. “Consumers are looking for the convenience of being able to reach for snacks and products that they know are good for them. Other wellness products such as The Ginger People Ginger Shots are also popular.

“Consumers are looking for products that offer a boost to their health and that’s what our range of brands and products can offer.”

YOUR TRUSTED ADVISOR IN HEALTH RETAIL

At Unique Health Products we distribute hundreds of health and wellness brands across Australia. Whether you are trying to reach new customer segments or have existing customers crying out for more natural, organic, fair-trade and eco-friendly products, we stock the best. You can shop online with us 24/7 here, or call our friendly sales team on 1800 787 904. If you don’t have a wholesale account with us yet, you can register for one here.

5 NATURAL BEAUTY TRENDS FOR 2021

Posted on April 29, 2021August 5, 2021 by Sara Keli

In their Future of Beauty Report, Nielsen identified natural beauty and skincare as key drivers for the future of the industry. Mintel called it a “Beauty Eco-lution” that is driven by eco-ethical and conscious purchasing decisions.

But the natural beauty market is as diverse as it is fast-growing. It has almost twice the predicted CAGR of the beauty market as a whole! In the plethora of products available, there are key natural beauty trends that are driving the growth.

Here are the five key natural beauty trends you should know to have your finger on the pulse for your eco-conscious customers.

1) CRUELTY FREE

According to What’s New in Healthy Products, consumers are starting to consider vegan and cruelty-free credentials as a baseline requirement for skincare brands.

ACURE is a brand that is leading the market in highly innovative and effective skincare that also adheres to its vegan and cruelty-free values. For ACURE this means no animal-testing, ever, and drawing on powerful super nutrients for skin wellness.

From Facial Scrubs to Cleansing Gels, Face Masks, Serums, Moisturisers, Treatments, Oils and more, every product in the ACURE range is 100% vegan.

2) ZERO WASTE

Plastic packaging – and more specifically plastic packaging winding up in landfill – is an undeniable issue facing our planet. Since 1960, the amount of plastic packaging used in the USA has increased over 120 times. While this figure isn’t limited to the beauty industry, globally, the beauty and personal care industry accounts for more than AUD $30 billion in plastic packaging sales.

Ethique is an impressively-sustainable brand playing an active role in reducing plastic packaging. The brand and products are 100% plastic free. In fact, Ethique has saved more than 6.5 million plastic bottles from entering landfill with their sustainable paper packaging, compostable Storage Containers, Concentrates and Solid Beauty Bars.

While Ethique started with Shampoo Bars, there are now Solid Face Cleansers, Solid Face Scrubs, Solid Face Serums as well as a range of home, pet, hair and body care bars.

Another brand providing zero-waste solutions is Ever Eco. Their passion for eradicating single-use plastics started with the humble drinking straw and has now extended to include a beauty range. Beauty products include Reusable Bamboo Facial Pads to replace single-use cotton pads as well as Muslin Facial Cloths and Konjac Facial Sponges.

Functional and bioactive ingredients - natural beauty trends

3) FUNCTIONAL AND BIOACTIVE INGREDIENTS

As much as functional ingredients are driving food trends, they are also a force in natural beauty trends.

Functional and bioactive ingredients have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and now the natural beauty industry is embracing the transformational power of nature.

Dr Organic doesn’t just use bioactive ingredients. Their ranges are each built around a powerful bioactive to ensure each product is truly functional. Whether it is Organic Aloe Vera, Activated Charcoal, Organic Hemp Oil, Organic Manuka Honey, Organic Reishi or one of the other many bioactives in the range, every product is designed to draw on the power of nature to get serious skin results.

ACURE is another brand that uses functional ingredients such as ashwagandha, reishi, holy basil, cordyceps and melatonin. Despite their use of quality, effective plant-based bioactives and functional ingredients, they are incredibly accessible and affordable for the everyday consumer looking to ‘clean up’ their beauty routine.

4) BEAUTY FROM WITHIN

In line with the food as medicine trend, there are an increasing number of beauty supplements focusing on nourishing skin from within with the idea that beauty starts on the inside.

Supercharged Food, known for their Love Your Gut Powders and Capsules, has recently launched the Earth and Sea Beauty Capsules. The capsules contain a blend of silica, iodine and iron. The 100% Australian-sourced silica may aid in collagen production for healthy hair, skin and nails. The iodine in the blend is sourced from Tasmanian kelp and may help to repair damaged skin cells.

5) SHEET MASKS

Sheet masks are certainly a trend that is here to stay! The natural beauty trend for sheet masks is in natural and organic ingredients and eco-friendly materials.

Orgaid produced the world’s first organic sheet mask. They use the patented Ecoderma sheet mask fabric along with organic ingredients and scientifically-backed formulations to create highly-effective sheet masks.

The Orgaid sheet mask range includes three varieties – Anti-aging & Moisturizing, Vitamin C & Revitalizing and Greek Yogurt & Nourishing.

BRING NATURAL BEAUTY TRENDS TO YOUR CUSTOMERS

You can find each of these brands and their trending products – plus many more – in the Unique Health Products online store. You can shop online 24/7, or call our friendly sales team on 1800 787 904. If you don’t yet have an account with us, you can register for one here.