Brands are launching packaged goods made with upcycled cheese and ingredients
Trend - CPG brands and food manufacturers are launching cheese-based products made with upcycled ingredients. These products have reduced carbon footprints and long shelf lives. Brands use upcycled ingredients acquired from manufacturing byproducts and excess storage to reduce cost and waste.
Insight - While many consumers prioritize environmentally or socially-friendly products over alternatives, some consumers are unwilling to pay increased costs for these products. These consumers only opt for these products when the price and quality are comparable to the alternatives. This cost-conditional desire has led to brands finding ways to produce environmentally friendly foods while maintaining, or even reducing, production costs. Brands appeal to these customers by turning to upcycling.
Insight - While many consumers prioritize environmentally or socially-friendly products over alternatives, some consumers are unwilling to pay increased costs for these products. These consumers only opt for these products when the price and quality are comparable to the alternatives. This cost-conditional desire has led to brands finding ways to produce environmentally friendly foods while maintaining, or even reducing, production costs. Brands appeal to these customers by turning to upcycling.
Workshop Question - How can your brand implement upcycling to reduce waste and production costs while still producing high-quality products that meet industry standards?
Trend Themes
1. Upcycling of Ingredients - CPG brands and food manufacturers are repurposing ingredients, like excess storage acquired from manufacturing byproducts—reducing cost and waste in the process.
2. Reducing Carbon Footprints by Food Manufacturers - Companies are finding ways to reduce their carbon footprint by using upcycled ingredients in their products, creating environmentally-friendly products with reduced production costs.
3. Vegan and Allergen-free Options - Companies are creating vegan and allergen-free pie crusts and cheese sticks in response to changing consumer preferences, while keeping in mind the environment and need for upcycling.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage Manufacturing - Food and beverage manufacturers can utilize waste reduction strategies and upcycled ingredients to create environmentally-friendly products that appeal to cost-conscious consumers.
2. Plant-based and Vegan Foods - Plant-based and vegan food companies can continue to innovate and create product offerings with elevated flavors, like truffle, to cater to changing consumer preferences and increase market share.
3. Gluten-free and Allergen-free Foods - Food companies can appeal to the growing market of consumers seeking gluten-free and allergen-free options, while also incorporating waste reduction and upcycling strategies into their production processes.
