Instant noodles get revitalized with new, unlikely ingredients & branding
Trend - A staple among comfort foods, cup noodles is something consumers seek out for its ease and cost-efficiency. With that, we're seeing a resurgence in this cultural staple, with the addition of new, unexpected features—including non-traditional Asian ingredients like chicken nuggets and cheesecake.
Insight - Globalization continues to influence consumers' preferences and values, and this phenomenon is especially visible in the evolution of food products in North America. As immigration rates in North America increase, so too do levels of cultural diversity, causing many consumers to become more open and enthusiastic about what's popular in other parts of the world. This demographic seeks to enjoy new foods and international flavors and are looking to brands to provide these novel products.
Insight - Globalization continues to influence consumers' preferences and values, and this phenomenon is especially visible in the evolution of food products in North America. As immigration rates in North America increase, so too do levels of cultural diversity, causing many consumers to become more open and enthusiastic about what's popular in other parts of the world. This demographic seeks to enjoy new foods and international flavors and are looking to brands to provide these novel products.
Workshop Question - In what way could you reinvent your most traditional, well-known product?
Trend Themes
1. Globalization of Taste - As immigration rates in North America increase, consumers seek to enjoy new foods and international flavors, creating opportunities for brands to provide novel products.
2. Comfort Food Reinvented - Brands are reinventing classic comfort foods like instant noodles with new, unexpected features, ingredients, and flavors.
3. Social Media Vending - Vending machines powered by social media allow consumers to collect prizes, discounts, and even meals by sharing posts with a specific hashtag.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Opportunity for brands to experiment with unusual ingredient combinations and international flavors to appeal to adventurous eaters and boost sales.
2. Marketing and Advertising - Social media-powered vending machines offer disruptive innovation opportunities in influencer marketing and customer engagement.
3. Technology and Retail - Retrofitting vending machines with Internet-connected computers creates new opportunities for experiential marketing, customized rewards, and optimized operations.
