Keeping Up With Consumers’ Food Wants and Needs

The hallmark saying “the customer is always right” may not always feel like the right answer, but when it comes to the Food Industry, it is true. The consumers are the most important person in the Food supply chain, and companies therefore need to monitor their likes and dislikes. In the ever-evolving global landscape, people have their passions and beliefs when it comes to food, and oftentimes their passions and beliefs in everyday life will find themselves reflected in their food choices. In this world of diverse tastes, diets, and offerings, food companies have a lot to keep track of to keep the consumer happy.

Transparency has become an important topic to consumers, and food producers are working hard to provide it, knowing that it builds a trust with the consumer. More and more, consumers are interested in knowing where the food was sourced from and how it is produced. Because of this, companies are working on implementing labeling systems that provide all the necessary information that someone may look for before making the purchase. Indirectly, this is also pushing companies to create healthier and higher-quality products, for having ingredients so easily documented on the product can expose anything that the consumer may see as unhealthy. This is especially important in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, when people are focused more than ever on finding ways to improve immune health.

Sustainability is also on everyone’s minds, and sustainable practices are impacting the Food industry in multiple ways. With calls for more environmentally-friendly practices, companies are finding ways to integrate more sustainable behaviors into their everyday processes. This need has led to better management of natural resources, alternate ingredient sourcing to protect the environment, and more sustainable and environmentally-friendly packaging. However, people not just looking at food being something they want created with sustainability in mind; they are also looking at food purchases with more practicality, with food waste being a concern. Research finds that people would rather shop more frequently and buy less each time in order to avoid throwing away unneeded food. Food producers are following suit and working to find ways to reduce and prevent food waste, particularly earlier in the supply chain before the food reaches supermarkets and grocery stores.

A desire for plant-based foods are on the rise, and it is something that food producers cannot ignore. The rise in health consciousness means that more people have moved towards more plant-based diets. And, some consumers even favor the flavor. What started out as a replacement for traditional meats is now moving to an even greater demand for other plant-based foods. Food companies are now in an exciting race to see what other foods and beverages can be made with plants. Interest in plant-based foods are on the rise, and what was once considered a trend is now seemingly becoming a staple in common dietary offerings.

The Food industry is still a business, and producers cannot ignore this. With so much competition and many offerings of the same kind of food, companies are searching for ways to catch the consumers’ attention to get them to purchase their products instead of the competitors’. Sometimes, the efforts are as simple as creating a more eye-catching package. But, companies are getting more creative to drive consumers to their products. Some products have new and unexpected flavors attached to them. Others release crossover versions between popular brands to create a mixture of flavors. By adding exotic flavors, companies are finding that they can easily create niche followings and cater to consumers with both eclectic and specific tastes.

After the uncertain times that the world has been and is going through, comfort foods are an important part of culture. While new and exciting products will always attract attention, people will always revert to or reach for what they know and love. Companies must also keep that in mind, and even when they are trying to find ways to distinguish themselves from the competitors, they also need to know that, like the age-old phrase goes, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Even when they are trying to find new or healthier substitutes for existing products, they must keep in mind that consumers still will want it to taste familiar.

For Food production companies to keep up with the evolving consumer interests, it is important to have the right equipment, and EquipNet is ready to help. We offer an extensive selection of Food Investment Recovery and Redeployment Solutions to fit any need. Regularly, we help companies sell idle assets to other companies who can make good use of the machinery while earning the seller cash, recycle unneeded equipment while guaranteeing complete compliance with local and federal safety and environmental regulations, and organize complete facility closures, among other services. Interested in how we can help your company recover investment or redeploy assets? Contact us today at 781-821-3482 or at [email protected]!

Sources

https://www.edlong.com/top-7-food-industry-trends-for-2021/

https://foodindustryexecutive.com/2021/04/food-companies-getting-back-to-basics/

https://foodindustryexecutive.com/2020/12/4-mega-trends-that-will-define-the-food-industry-in-2021/

https://linchpinseo.com/trends-in-the-food-products-manufacturing-industry/

Categorias: Food

Tags: consumer trends food food industry food production food sustainability food trends,