Sales of fish, vegetables and other so-called “brain foods” have risen in recent weeks as students seek ways to do better in exams.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


UK supermarket Tesco said sales of tuna, cod, plaice and mackerel increased 34% in recent weeks in towns with large student populations. Sales of broccoli, asparagus, spinach and vitamin supplements also increased.


“There’s a growing belief that exam success can, quite literally, be served up on a plate,” Tesco’s fresh produce director, Steve Murrells, was quoted by BBC News Online as saying.


“Students now prepare for their studying in the same way that athletes prepare for their races.


“They are now using a good diet as well as intensive study to help boost performance during this critical time in their academic lives.”

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

The rise in fish sales was largest in university towns such as Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh and Oxford.


Fish contains dimethylamino-ethanol, a nutrient which is believed to aid memory.


 

Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

Discover the Impact