Speciality Food Magazine -November/December 2025

good news is that Speciality Food readers don’t need to travel far from their knowledge base to make the most of the wellness opportunity – in fact, it could just be a question of relearning (with a new lens for health credentials) about some of the products you already stock. If you’re looking to explore this modern opportunity further, though, there are plenty of products to whet your appetite. Wellness has gone lifestyle offering that feels seamless, not fragmented.” Serving up health One thing’s for certain: the case for stocking health-boosting foods is a strong one, with the market seeing considerable growth – largely thanks to the glowing advocates on social media. One such sensation is Acai Berry, a business with stores in London and a freshly-launched e-commerce option which sources acai – a berry rich in antioxidants amongst many other nutrients – directly from the Amazon. “The growth of the açaí market in the UK over the past five years has been extraordinary and reflects a much bigger movement in the wellness food sector,” begins Marcus Carmo, CEO. “Consumers are actively seeking out nutrient-dense options that deliver both taste and functional benefits, and açaí fits perfectly into that space.” @specialityfood 44 mainstream, says Nicole Compen, founder of raye the store. “Consumers today are far more conscious about what they put in their bodies and on their skin, and they’re looking for products that align with their lifestyle values: natural, functional, sustainable, and beautifully designed. These are no longer niche concerns – they’re everyday priorities.” While the consumers who shop in delis may not be hardcore wellness fanatics, they follow enough principles espoused by the health and wellness sphere for its products to be a natural fit. “Fine food retailers are perfectly positioned to lean into this because their customers already expect discovery, quality and a story behind what they buy,” explains Nicole. “By stocking wellness products, retailers can extend that same experience beyond the plate - into supplements, adaptogenic drinks, clean beauty, and functional snacks. It’s about curating a holistic These establishments often came with a supportive, knowledgeable staff member on-hand to answer questions, but still seemed a little out of the comfort zone for many UK shoppers. Fast forward to now, and food and drink products are making health claims left, right and centre – so much so that it can be difficult to uncover the truth behind these fabulous-sounding stories. The COMMENTATORS NICOLE COMPEN RAYE THE STORE ANISH PATEL NUTRATEA HELEN JOHNSTON SUCSEED MARCUS CARMO ACAI BERRY RUMBLE ROMAGNOLI CHILLI NO.5 SPOTLIGHT ON: SEEDS Helen Johnston, nutritionist and founder of Sucseed, explains why it’s worth investing in a good stock of seeds Seeds are nature’s forgotten superfoods – nutrient-dense, rich in fibre, healthy fats, and plant protein. Seeds such as flax, chia, sunflower, pumpkin and hemp support gut health, hormone balance, energy and so much more, making them a powerful yet simple addition to modern diets. In the UK we eat far fewer nuts and seeds than countries such as Spain and Italy. Seeds are still seen as the poor relation to nuts, yet a spoonful (15-20g) a day provides a natural wholefood boost for digestion, focus, and sustained energy. For example, flax seeds are rich in lignans, powerful plant compounds that combine antioxidant, hormone-balancing, and gut-supporting effects. Hemp seeds provide complete plant protein, omega-3 and omega-6 fats, supporting energy, brain function and healthy skin. Format is everything. Seeds can be enjoyed whole, milled, toasted, or flaked, each offering different textures and nutrient availability. The key is making them easy to use daily. By blending seeds with carefully chosen herbs, Sucseed has created a versatile format that suits sweet and savoury dishes alike - sprinkled on porridge, stirred into smoothies, or scattered over F or decades, food and drink that offered health benefits – think nutrient-dense wholefoods, or items whichmade grand claims and hailed from far flung destinations – were solely available from specialist health food stores. Ones which sold supplements and tinctures alongside their superfood offering, and which were tricky to navigate for shoppers who weren’t totally fluent with the language of ‘wellness’. “Seeds support gut health, hormone balance, energy and somuch more,making thema powerful yet simple addition tomoderndiet salads. Without this convenience, even the most powerful and tasty foods risk being left in the cupboard. The right format turns beneficial ingredients into a simple, sustainable habit that makes nutrition both practical and pleasurable. Consumers often don’t realise how transformative seeds and herbs can be - or how simple they are to use. Education should link tradition with science, showing how seeds provide fibre, protein, and essential fats, while herbs offer targeted support for energy, gut health, or immunity. Retailers can help by offering tastings, recipe inspiration, and clear storytelling at point of sale. When shoppers see how easily blends work in everyday dishes, seeds and herbs stop being niche and become recognised as everyday staples for wellbeing. No longer the preserve of specialist stores, products that promote better health are a valuable option for fine food indies AHEALTHY OPPORTUNITY