Food Consumer Insights

Trend - As GLP-1 weight management drugs gain popularity, food companies are responding by adjusting the ingredients and portions in their products. Particularly in the CPG market, retailers are offering smaller products richer in proteins and fibers, as there are more in-line with consumer needs.

Insight - GLP-1 weight management drugs in North America are causing dramatic shifts in the food and beverage industry. As the percentage of adults using these drugs continues to rise, consumers across North America are adjusting their consumption habits in turn. These consumers are becoming less likely to purchase unhealthy dessert foods, and are becoming more drawn to smaller meals with densely packed nutrients. As a result, CPG brands and restaurants are adjusting recipes to appeal to these consumers.

Trend - Animal protein brands with CPGs are more heavily emphasizing ethical farming practices on product packaging. In addition to organic or cruelty-free labels, the ethically sourced label denotes a higher level of care given to the farmed animals, ensuring consumers of the brand's priorities and values.

Insight - When buying animal products consumers are increasingly considering factors related to health and morality, in addition to price. These consumers are more likely to purchase organic or 'clean' meats when all else is equal, showing the efficacy of these labels. This is due to consumers becoming aware of the living conditions of livestock and the health effects of processed or overly-treated meats. In order to better connect with these consumers, brands are showcasing ethical farming practices.

Trend - Brands are creating meat dishes that have been cooked using the sous vide method and then rapidly chilled or frozen to preserve freshness and flavor. These products offer convenience and quality, maintaining the dishes' integrity until they reach the consumer's table.

Insight - The demand for healthy pre-made meals has been fueled by consumers looking for convenient and affordable options that fit into their busy lifestyles. While these meals are also on the rise due to rising costs and social media influence, there is a distinct consumer segment seeking frozen options that replicate the taste and quality of restaurant dishes. Businesses accommodating this demand can appeal to those looking to elevate their dining experience without sacrificing convenience or quality.

Trend - Brands in the dairy industry are redesigning product packaging to be more explicitly informative. These new packagings highlight the ingredients' exact nutritional benefits, such as benefiting gut health. Many such products are also advertising organic or eco-friendly ingredients.

Insight - While health-conscious consumers are explicitly aware of the benefits and effects of individual ingredients, this is not true of the average consumer. For consumers only beginning to shop for more healthy products, the nature of packaging plays a large role in buying decisions. This group is more likely to purchase products that explicitly advertise health benefits, as these labels assure customers they are making the correct choice. Brands in the dairy industry are adapting to this need.

Trend - Gourmet, multi-course tasting menus traditionally served at high-end restaurants are now being delivered directly to consumers' homes. These menus offer a curated selection of the restaurant's most famous dishes, providing a fine dining experience without visiting a restaurant.

Insight - Wealthy consumers frequently seek novel dining options that offer an extravagant experience free from the formalities and dress codes associated with fine-dining restaurants. In response, restaurants are partnering with popular food delivery platforms to deliver exclusive tasting menus to consumers who want to enjoy a multi-course feast from their homes. Companies tapping into this heightened demand for upscale takeout options can attract discerning consumers seeking premium experiences.

Trend - Restaurants are partnering with social media-viral chefs and foodie influencers to create menus that resonate with younger audiences. These menus take inspiration from popular recipes and transform them in unique ways to differentiate themselves from competitors.

Insight - Short-form video platforms have contributed to a rise in consumer foodie culture. Algorithms have made it easy for unique, tasteful recipes to gain worldwide attention at a rapid rate. As a result of this, both professional and hobbyist chefs have taken to these platforms to share their takes on recipes, with many quickly gaining virality. In order to capitalize off of the popularity of these videos, restaurants are partnering with these creators to develop curated viral menus for patrons.

Trend - Brands in the beverage space are creating coffee creamers with simple ingredient lists. These creamers are often plant-based or organic, and focus on conveying to the customer that they use as few chemicals as possible, resulting in better-for-you alternatives to traditional artificial creamers.

Insight - The average consumer is becoming increasingly aware of the nutritional benefits of products, particularly as regulations around food packaging increase, requiring brands to disclose potentially harmful ingredients. These factors have contributed to an increase in attention given to clean-label products, particularly those without compromises, across the food industry. As a result, brands in the beverage space are now reducing ingredients lists, and are instead prioritizing clean, simple recipes.

Trend - Dairy farming companies are implementing artificial intelligence (AI) tools to increase resource efficiency and yields. The AI tools use machine learning to find ways of cutting waste and provide insights on how to improve throughput. These tools increase profits through resource management.

Insight - Dairy farmers face increasing pressure to enhance productivity and efficiency while maintaining high standards of animal welfare and milk quality. The demand for sustainable and ethical farming practices without raising prices has led to many groups turning to AI technologies that streamline operations and reduce manual labor. AI-powered systems enable farmers to monitor herd health, optimize feeding schedules, and automate milking processes, allowing them to focus on strategic farm management.

Trend - Snacks that combine hot and sweet flavors are being released to diversify snack offerings. These snacks, referred to as 'Swicy' in flavor, are made by mixing traditionally sweet foods with spicy ingredients, such as hot sauces or peppers. This results in unique flavors for younger consumers.

Insight - The recent boom in popularity of spicy foods in the west has led to younger consumers, namely Gen Z and Gen Alphas, growing up more accustomed to spicy flavors than other generations. As a result, these consumers desire more adventurous flavors in all dishes, whether it be a snack, meal, or dessert. Brands are capitalising off of the popularity of spicy foods and the desire for strong flavors by mixing spicy and sweet flavors into countless unique products.

Trend - Brands are using freeze-drying to better preserve the freshness and flavor of foods without extra additives or preservatives. This results in all-natural, organic products with authentic flavors. These snacks are positioned as better-for-you treats with extended shelf lives.

Insight - Modern consumers are faced with ever-expanding choices when it comes to choosing snack foods. The prevalence of products in the space leads consumers to prioritize those that meet their personal needs, which often pertain to health goals, financial savings, or convenience. Brands in the CPG space can differentiate themselves by offering products that adhere to all three of these goals, rather than focusing on only certain areas. In order to achieve this, brands are turning to freeze-drying.