More Interest in Organic as Single Households Increase

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Thursday, 28 November 2002

The number of people living on their own will soar over the next five years, transforming the consumer landscape, according to a report published by market analysts Datamonitor yesterday.

By 2005 Britain will have 1.7 million fewer people living as part of a family, and 1 million more people over 50, than there were in 2000. In Europe the figures are 11 million fewer people living in families, and an additional 1.4 million couples without children.

The effect will be to create a new market of people who live alone and whose purchases will reflect different values. Those living on their own are more likely to buy services to avoid chores, choose convenience foods, and look for products with health benefits or "added value".

"They also have a strong interest in organic food, and labour-saving goods. The number of people cutting down on their meat consumption will continue to grow, but becoming vegetarian is a trend on the wane.

Source: Felicity Lawrence 27 Nov 02