As the UK prepares to heat up for the summer, it seems that our eating habits have gone through a transformation too. According to the latest figures from Waitrose & Partners, sales of Mediterranean diet staples such as fresh salads, continental cheeses and seafood all show strong growth, with the largest increase being in olives and particularly, olive oil.

The Waitrose 1 range of P.D.O oils from Valli Trapanesi, Umbria Colli Martani and Chianti in Italy have continued to grow, with wine and cider vinegars following this trend with a 27% increase on searches on Waitrose.com. Other popular products include white balsamic (+33%) and premium sherry vinegars (+36%). As customers look for more unique flavours to enhance their salads, Waitrose & Partners have also launched new premium vinegars perfect for summer eating including Belazu Moscatel Vinegar and Mazzetti Balsamic Reduction with Fig.

Oliver Chadwyck-Healey, oil and vinegar buyer at Waitrose & Partners, comments, “We tend to see an increase in demand for premium oils and vinegars over the summer months and we expect this year to be no exception. With many of our customers adapting their diets to the warm weather, oils and vinegars play a vital role in enhancing the flavours of simple fresh ingredients which are proving so popular at the moment.”

A key ingredient to many Mediterranean dishes is cheese. The most popular varieties, Mozzarella (+30%) and Feta (+150%) are both up on last year and new favourite Burrata has increased by 33% since last summer*.

With fish being a huge staple in the Mediterranean diet, sales of seafood have increased over 10% versus last year, with more consumers opting for prawns, crab and scallops as the base of their recipes.

Moira Howie, Nutrition and Health Manager at Waitrose & Partners says, “Following a Mediterranean diet has significant health benefits. Fish is an important staple in a Med diet and we should all be aiming for two portions of fish a week, one of which should be oily. Oily fish are rich in omega 3 fats, a type of unsaturated fat that helps to keep our hearts healthy as part of a balanced diet.”

For some Mediterranean recipe inspiration click here.

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For further information please contact:
Claire Earley
claire.earley@waitrose.co.uk
T: 01344825080

Information and prices correct at time of release.  Waitrose customer enquiry number is 0800 188 884.