More Healthy Options at Airports

UK travelers are increasingly prioritizing healthier food and drink options at airports, moving away from traditional alcoholic beverages and unhealthy snacks. A significant trend is the rise in non-alcoholic beer sales, with a notable 16.9 percent increase across three airports owned by Manchester Airports Group compared to the previous year. London Stansted Airport has experienced the most dramatic change, with Comptoir Libanais reporting a staggering 525 percent increase in non-alcoholic beer sales year-on-year, while Wetherspoons at Stansted noted a 45 percent rise in alcohol-free beer sales. The trend towards healthier choices extends beyond beverages, with a growing interest in gut health. Products featuring the term "gut" have seen a remarkable 102 percent increase in sales across the three airports. WH Smiths has reported a 33 percent rise in transactions for gut health shots, particularly the Plenish Berry Gut Health Shot. Additionally, there has been a 10 percent growth in demand for non-dairy milk options, with Manchester Airport leading the way at Costa Coffee outlets, showing a 24 percent year-on-year increase. The vegan trend is also gaining momentum, particularly in breakfast and brunch menus. Sales of vegan brunch and breakfast items have surged by 20.3 percent compared to last year. Notably, Giraffe at Manchester Airport has seen an astonishing 833 percent increase in vegan breakfast sales, while Bridgewater and Wagamama have reported increases of 201 percent and 89 percent, respectively. Richard Jackson, retail director at Manchester Airport, acknowledged the enduring popularity of certain products but emphasized the undeniable rise in demand for non-alcoholic beers, gut health shots, and vegan brunches among travelers.