The line graph illustrates the consumption trends of margarine, butter, and low-fat/reduced spreads in grams from 1981 to 2007.
Overall, it is evident that while margarine and butter experienced a decline in consumption, low-fat and reduced spreads witnessed a significant increase over the same period.
In detail, butter consumption exhibited a peak of approximately 140 grams in 1981, followed by a gradual decline to 120 grams by 1986. This declining trend accelerated sharply thereafter, with butter consumption plummeting to under 50 grams by 2007. Conversely, margarine’s consumption also showcased fluctuations; it started at around 90 grams, dipped slightly to 80 grams by 1986, and then surged to 100 grams from 1986 to 1996. However, it subsequently resumed a downward trajectory, concluding the period at approximately 40 grams in 2007.
In contrast, low-fat and reduced spreads emerged in the market later, with no recorded consumption until 1991, when it began at a mere 10 grams. This category then experienced robust growth, escalating dramatically to 80 grams by 2001 before slightly retracting to 70 grams in 2007. This marked increase underscores a shifting consumer preference towards healthier options, in stark contrast to the declining trends for traditional spreads.
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