Cheese gets a makeover in the eyes of consumers
Implications - Whereas cheese used to be viewed as an indulgence, the blurred lines between artisan and health food have opened this rich ingredient up to more light treatments. This speaks to a shift in consumer desire -- it seems trustworthiness and authenticity is more of a priority than true nutritional health.
Workshop Question - Where can you build stronger rapport with your consumer base and how does your messaging indicate trust?
Trend Themes
1. Blurring of Artisan and Health Food - The blurring of artisan and health food is opening up rich ingredients, such as cheese, to lighter treatments and healthier alternatives.
2. Nutrition-focused Snacks - The growing demand for on-the-go snacks has led to the creation of nutritionally complete snack kits that provide consumers with a healthy boost.
3. Innovative Snack Cheese - Innovative methods of making snack cheese, like popping gouda cheese, are offering consumers a new way to experience traditional cheese products.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - The food and beverage industry is seeing a shift towards healthier options, with an emphasis on protein and nutritionally complete products.
2. Snack Foods - The snack food industry is adapting to consumers' fast-paced lifestyles by creating portable and mixable snacks that can be enjoyed on-the-go.
3. Cheese Products - Innovative cheese products, such as those made with cottage cheese, offer consumers a healthier and lighter alternative to traditional cheese products.
