Recent statistics show that men are buying more fruits and vegetables instead of processed foods. (Image : Kobizmedia / Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Aug. 17 (Korea Bizwire) – Recent statistics show that men are buying more fruits and vegetables instead of processed foods.
As cooking programs are gaining popularity, the number of men who are literally herbivores has increased.
According to 11th Street, an online shopping portal (www.11st.co.kr), the portion of men who bought vegetables this year (from January 1 to August 12) showed a 75 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Also, purchases of fruit by men increased 48 percent during the same period. Of note, sales of foreign produce such as grapefruits, mangoes and cherries showed greater growth compared to domestic fruits.
Men were not only the main consumers of fruits and vegetables. The portion of men that bought marine products was also higher than women. Men usually bought eel, mini octopuses and abalone, which are all said to boost stamina.
Ever since the concept of men who cook became popular, more men cook and buy groceries in an attempt to eat better food. (Image : Yonhap)
11th Street explained that the phenomenon is due to the recent cooking craze. Ever since the concept of men who cook became popular, more men cook and buy groceries in an attempt to eat better food. Proof that the trend really exists is shown in sales of instant and processed foods, which showed smaller growth compared to fresh food. Sales of ramen noodles showed a nine percent increase.
In addition, with more men taking an active role in the kitchen, the number of men who bought kitchen appliances also showed an 82 percent increase.
11th Street noted that the increase was likely due to the growth in the number of one-person households. Officials from 11th Street added another notable factor: “Also, because more young men are cooking, foreign kitchen brands are selling well among trendy young consumers.”
By Francine Jung (francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
