Formulating consumer-preferred products for success in 2022

Today, the food and beverage industry is more competitive and complex than ever before. Shifting consumer expectations are driving increased demand for healthier and more sustainable products while businesses are facing increased supply challenges, regulatory requirements and record-level inflation rates — and the food and beverage industry is no exception.

Together we can help you address the challenges of today and formulate products that will address the trends of tomorrow — all while keeping an eye on:

• Advancing nutrition, health and wellness claims or product perceptions
• Improving back panel nutrition statements and clean label ingredient lists
• Reducing costs
• Formulating sustainable food and beverage products
• Accelerating speed to market

Overcome industry challenges and turn consumer food and beverage trends into brand opportunities

Rely on our team of technical and market experts to make your programme objectives a reality. At Ingredion, we have the agility and formulation expertise to help you innovate at an accelerated pace. Create products with the right combination of features that will delight consumers and help differentiate your brand from the competition.

Achieve your programme objectives with our services and insights

Nutrition, health, wellness and sustainability are top of mind around the globe

The pandemic is driving consumers to expand their meaning of health and wellness to include the entire planet. Consumers view the food they eat, where the ingredients and products are sourced and manufactured as playing a vital role in leading an increasingly healthy lifestyle.

2021 research indicates consumers are now more focused on healthy eating and learning about health and wellness versus the year prior

Consumers want to have their cake and eat it too

Almost all consumers aspire to be healthier and make better food choices, but consumers largely differ in what they want and what they are willing to sacrifice.

Previously, health and wellness trends were singularly focused on low carb, low fat, low sugar, hundred calorie packs, clean label or organic. There were clear definitions and a one-size-fits-all approach to adopting a trend.

Today, consumers are taking a different, multi-faceted and holistic approach to making better food choices. Trend adoption is less rigid and more personalised — and COVID-19 has helped accelerate the pace and increase the intensity of this change.

Consumers are now weighing their options and striving to improve incrementally, with decision-making criteria that are more flexible — balancing different needs for change by occasion, daypart or category, resulting in a lengthier list of consumer demands than ever before.

Achieving a Healthy Balance – formulating for consumer-preferred products, better nutrition, and profitability

Product development teams are being challenged to rebalance the consumer value equation.

Value is about delivering the right combination of consumer benefits that create brand loyalty and pricing power. Taste is paramount, familiarity and brands they love are three of the top five purchase drivers reported by consumers.

But other on-trend attributes are also playing increasingly important roles: nutrition, health, wellness, clean label and sustainability.

As a growing number of consumers want to make better food choices for themselves, their families and the planet, the balance of these attributes and how they align with your product development strategy depend on a variety of factors:

• Brand position
• Target audience
• Taste expectations
• Formulation viability
• Operational

_{*Source: Health & Wellness 2021: Reimagining Well-being Amid COVID-19. Hartman Group. https://www.hartman-group.com/reports/37787061/health-wellness-reimagining-well-being-amid-covid-19}

Related food and beverage challenges and on-trend product offerings

Whether you’re trying to simplify labels, ensure products are delicious, or help consumers make healthier choices, Ingredion has the right ingredients and expertise to help.