Consumers constantly ask themselves, “What do I want to eat?”
Behind that seemingly simple question is a complex algorithm of factors. “I need a snack, but what am I in the mood for? I want something yummy, but I need something nutritious, maybe with a bit of protein. Am I counting calories today or am I indulging ?” Consumers consider their choices across highly individualised parameters, and the list of factors grows every day.
Some of these considerations include features and benefits like low-sugar, high-protein, clean label, being organic, more nutritious and sustainable – the list goes on. On top of that, their expectation for taste does not change. Each eating occasion also calls to mind different features and benefits: great taste, better nutrition, transparent communication and alignment to personal values, at a fair price, that enables them to feel good about the choices they are making.
Food and beverage providers are increasingly tasked to ensure their offerings are tailored to the complex and growing list of consumer demands. Understanding this consumer algorithm is the key to in-market success.
External factors and the ever-changing environment
While responding to evolving consumer needs is nothing new for food and beverage providers, they are also faced with unprecedented complexity in the global food system today. Inflation is at its highest in decades and the global supply chain continue to pose challenges for supply availability.
In addition, technology is playing a significant role in changing expectations for consumers – in many ways – from getting information on ingredient labels and preventive health at their fingertips, to wanting accelerated service levels for on-demand food delivery. Consumers are expecting more, at a faster pace. They believe brands and manufacturers should be doing more to meet their differentiated needs.
Working collaboratively provides value to not just consumers but to manufacturers
How can food and beverage providers navigate consumers’ complex needs to deliver great tasting eating experiences with the features and benefits they want, while overcoming manufacturing obstacles?
With increased expectations and the constraints of today’s market, it becomes crucial for manufacturers to find the right partner to help navigate this complexity and deliver simplified solutions that can be executed at scale and speed. ‘Own the AND’ is the latest innovation from Ingredion that does just that. Bringing together ingredients, insights, tools and formulation expertise allows us to collaborate to create and reformulate products that consumers will love.
The value in this is showcased in the incremental value of a tailored bundle of benefits in a single product where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Food and beverage brands can confidently deliver more value for consumers, at every step of the way. Plant based AND high fiber? Sustainable AND healthy? Yes, it is possible.
Regional and local consumer trends that are shaping the demand for food
Our proprietary insights drive our understanding of what consumers crave. In the Asia Pacific region, we leverage our deep regional consumer insights and expertise to help food and beverage providers decode the consumer preference, and develop the latest food innovations.
Asia Pacific consumers are seeking food that complement their lifestyles. Themes of holistic health, affordable nutrition, restaurant-at-home experiences, innovative textures, sustainability, and value-added food are shaping consumer demand. This presents opportunities food manufacturers must leverage to win over hearts and minds of consumers.
Versatile, indulgent AND nutritious – the possibilities are infinite with yoghurt
Be it a snack, an accompaniment, or an ingredient, yoghurt has become the preferred choice of permissive indulgence amongst consumers in APAC. From our proprietary studies in the region, we have uncovered the innovation opportunities for food manufacturers and shed some light on the taste profiles of consumers for yoghurt. Find out more and work with us to decode the consumer algorithm for the yoghurt they desire.
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Ingredion Singapore Pte Ltd
