Health consciousness in New Zealand - Data and Analysis (2000-2034)

IBISWorld forecasts that the level of health consciousness will increase by 0.3% in 2026-27, to 116.2 index points. A large anticipated drop in the smoking rate and per capita alcohol consumption will drive the hike in health consciousness during the year. Sports and active recreation participation is set to expand. Yet, apparent fruit and vegetable consumption is on track to drop and obesity levels are expected to climb slightly, placing pressure on the rise in health consciousness.New Zealand's adult population has become increasingly health-conscious over the past few years. A dwindling smoking rate and per capita alcohol consumption have supported rising health consciousness over the period. Past tobacco excise increases and the growing popularity of vaping as an alternative have largely driven falling smoking rates. Meanwhile, the volume of pure alcohol available for consumption fell 7.6% in 2025, to its lowest level since at least 2017, as cost-of-living pressures and changing attitudes towards drinking weighed on demand.Fruit and vegetable consumption has expanded over the past five years. Growing consumer awareness of the importance of healthy eating has supported fruit and vegetable consumption over the period. This rising awareness has caused consumer diets to change, with many individuals increasing their intake of healthy food products, like fruit and vegetables and lowering their intake of fats, sugars and salts. These trends have resulted in the level of obesity inching downwards in recent years, boosting health consciousness. Overall, IBISWorld forecasts that health consciousness will expand at a compound annual rate of 3.0% over the five years through 2026-27.