Our breadth of experience across a wide variety of food categories gives us a unique perspective on the trends and preferences that are driving consumption. We use these valuable insights to help our customers improve existing products and develop new products that capitalize on emerging opportunities and add to their sales. What’s cooking in convenience foods? Read on:

We are watching growing time pressures — especially on working women (who spend more time preparing food than men across Europe), reduction in household sizes and related growth in single-person households driving the convenience foods category.

As a consequence, speed of preparation and portability remain important features, with a focus on packaging: microwaving, serving, storage and on-the-go (including workplace and lunchboxes for children).

Health and weight management are another area of the focus, with an emphasis on natural taste, reduced fat and calories, and portion packs. Main premiums are gained through freshness, quality ingredient selection and home cooking/restaurant quality.