A survey among 50 randomly selected Dutch supermarkets shows the sector is benefiting from the A (H1N1) flu epidemic.

Their customers in the urban agglomeration in the west of the country are buying substantially more nutritional supplements and disinfectants than normal in an attempt to ward off the flu. Sales of fresh fruit juices, fruit and vegetables have also gone up. The supermarkets say that consumers elsewhere in the Netherlands are not spending more to stay healthy. 

Photo: Oranges, a rich source of vitamin C (Flickr/deVos)