Londoners Have Crussh On Smoothies

A recent Mintel report on the health benefits of smoothies and fresh juices, and growing popularity among consumers reflected by substantial growth in this market sector across the UK.

Companies such as Crussh, the UK’s leading smoothie bar chain, have pioneered the development of the UK smoothie sector by providing a wide range of affordable, delicious and creative smoothies. All Crussh smoothies are made to order in store, using specially selected fresh, healthy and (where possible) organic ingredients.

The Mintel report revealed that Britons drank 34 million litres of smoothies last year, enough to fill 14 Olympic sized swimming pools. Consumption is predicted to treble over the next five years, with companies such as Crussh opening new stores to cater for the rising demand.

The typical smoothie customer is 15 – 34 year olds, looking for a quick afternoon energy boost or healthy hangover cure. The demands of hectic modern lifestyles and the preferences of the ‘work hard, play hard’ generation have created a sustained need for healthy and nutritious alternatives to sugar rich fizzy drinks and caffeine.

It appears that smoothies have emerged from being something of a niche product to join the mainstream soft drinks ranks, leading to an increase in the number of smoothie manufacturers and retailers across the UK. “Healthy eating, and in particular the 5-a-day fruit and vegetable campaign, has been the driving force behind continuing rates of exceptional growth” explained Vivianne Ithekweazu, Senior Market Analyst at Mintel.

Crussh presently has 16 stores across the capital and boasts sales of around £5M a year. The firm’s sustained expansion is due to providing London’s commuters with a healthier lunch option, featuring a range of natural ingredients, unpasteurised fruit, organic and fair-trade produce. “There is a massive consumer request for healthy and ethical alternatives on the high street at the moment, people are increasingly turning to smoothies and healthy eating as part of a better lifestyle,” said Chris Connon, Marketing Manager at Crussh.

Success in the highly competitive food and drink industry is partially about reacting to constantly evolving trends. Consequently, Crussh stocks an exciting range of “booster” ingredients that can be added to smoothies for the ultimate ‘pep-up’. Booster options include Vitamin C, Aloe Vera, ginseng, ginger, bee pollen, and the widely renowned wheat grass. “Here at Crussh we are always looking for the next big thing in food and drink fashion, it pays to be at the forefront of the latest trends,” stated Connon.