Turning insights into innovative new products

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 hot in the snacks and cereals categories? Read on:

Taste rules

According to NPD Group, enjoying great flavor is still consumers’ #1 reason for snacking. In fact, IRI reports that 63 percent of consumers are more likely to eat what tastes good versus what is good for them. However, they are starting to look for new taste experiences, such as bold and exotic flavors, crunchier and thicker textures, and “opposite” flavor combinations such as sweet-and-salty and crunchy-and-chewy.

Spending smarter

With elevated food prices and an uncertain economic outlook, consumers are “trading down” by eating more at home and concentrating on low-frills shopping. Though private-label products are gaining ground on brands, snack purchases are dipping.

Conscientious consumption

This movement is growing beyond merely purchasing increasingly popular “natural” products, to include such things as “buying local.” Snack manufacturers are responding by using more sustainable production methods (e.g. limiting CO2 emissions) and minimizing “food miles,” donating a portion of profits to certain causes, and using recyclable and/or less packaging to reduce impact on the environment.

The new wellness

Consumers are skipping more meals, so they’re snacking earlier in the day and seeking healthier and “meal-like” functional benefits from their snacks. They’re looking for “real food” (less processed) as well as snack options that deliver on newer benefits such as beautification, digestive health, sleep aid, zero trans fats per serving and energy boosts.