Traders say the availability of huge choices, cheaper price, portability and longer life has attracted Nepali consumers toward canned foods. C N Paudel, operation manager of Saleways Department Store, said demand for canned food items is increasing as they have longer life and are easier to carry. “Besides general consumers, people who go for trekking and hotels and restaurant are the major buyers of canned food,” he said, adding: “As March-May is considered the trekking season, demand for canned foods increases during this time of year.” [break]
Canned food by different companies like Druk, Hosen, Noga and Kayati´s, Enjoy, Dak, John West, Royal, Tulip and American Garden among others are available in the market. Most of these products come from US, Europe, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. Besides, local brands of pickles and dairy products are also available in the market. Prices of canned food range from Rs 50 to Rs 500, depending on the brand, variety and weight.
Raj Shrestha, purchase, branding, sales and marketing manager of Bluebird Mart, said demand of canned food items has increased by around 30 percent compared to last year. “Mostly, people with busy schedules and those embarking on long trips are the major customers of canned food,” added Shrestha.
According to traders, Nepali consumers are attracted toward canned foods as they preserve essential nutrients even when stored for a longer period and can be taken anywhere.
Parwati Basnet, sales executive at Bhat-Bhateni Department Store, Koteshwar, echoed Shrestha and said canned food sales has increased by as much as 30 percent. “The nutritional value of canned food is equivalent to that of fresh food. It is because of this fact that canned food is getting popular in the market,” added Basnet.
Popular food items like chips, juice, fruits, vegetables, beans, sausages, lassi and pickles among others are available in the market.
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