-
Planetary Health: Consumer concern for sustainability varies around the globe
Sustainability is a key consideration for the modern, conscious consumer. The topic is significant in more developed global economies while its importance is increasing in emerging markets. However, there can be regional differences in the focus of consumer interest, as outlined in a new report from Innova Market Insights. The report demonstrates that overall interest in the environment is intensifying. In 2020, an average 21% of consumers globally said that environmental factors had become more important to them. Going into 2021, as many as one-third of respondents intend to improve their environmental impact over the year. Generally, consumers are becoming much more aware of the food they eat, where it…
-
Cutting sugar and boosting protein in ‚better-for-you‘ sweet treats
The drive towards healthier choices in food and beverages has become so strong that it is even relevant to treating. Taste quality is essential to confectionery, sweet bakery, ice cream and desserts, however, formulating ‘better–for–you’ sweet treats can be challenging. Sugar is inherent to the concept of treating and is therefore a particularly important focus for ‘better–for–you’ development. In fact, research shows that 91% of consumers are at least a little influenced by sugar reduction claims. There have been winners and losers in reduced sugar treats, however, and there is no surefire route to success. Strategies vary and include complete removal of sugar, blending of sugar with sweeteners and advances in sugar science. Sugar reduction has been particularly successful in ice cream, with an emphasis on bolder on-pack…
-
Health vs. Indulgence: Polarizing Trends in North American Breakfast Cereals
Breakfast cereals are something of a staple food in North America, with 60% of households saying they are a regular part of their grocery basket. However, times have never been more challenging for these core products as competition for the breakfast dollar has intensified considerably over the past decade or so. According to a new report from Innova Market Insights, which assesses cereal trends in the US and Canada, there has been polarization between healthy and indulgent products in recent years. This is evident in flavor trends such as with launches containing turmeric rising at a CAGR of 50% over 2014-2019, while those containing marshmallows increased at a CAGR of 104%.…
-
Health & Happiness: A Holistic Approach to Healthy Aging
With an aging population globally, consumers are increasingly looking for solutions that help them to live their lives to the fullest while maintaining high levels of health and wellness regardless of their age. While 7 out of 10 global consumers in an Innova Consumer Survey said that they had made changes over the past year to improve their health, these changes were not just for physical health, with consumers balancing physical, mental, and emotional aspects. Changes to improve physical wellbeing continued to lead, with 53% of respondents saying that they had made a change. However, numbers were also significant for consumers saying that they had taken steps to improve mental…
