In food and beverage, consumers drive the industry like no other. And in the age of options, food manufacturers have to be nimble enough to respond to change. Here are five consumer trends that are likely to shape our industry well into 2019 and beyond.
1. Increased fragmentation
It’s not so much that consumers’ tastes are changing. It’s just far easier than ever for them to seek what they want. As such, mass markets are fragmenting into smaller sects with increasingly specific options. Food manufacturers can either double down on a niche market or diversify offerings to reach more people.
2. Demand for transparency
If you see a shopper perusing labels, he’s not just looking at the picture on the box. He’s also checking out the ingredients label. Consumers are demanding more transparency about food products. They want to know specific ingredients and where they’re sourced. They want to see that their food has been certified by third-party organizations. The challenge for food manufacturers is getting all of that onto limited packaging space. It’s a challenge with many potential solutions in 2019.
3. Focus on health
More than knowing what’s in food, consumers want reassurance that those ingredients are actually good for them — or at least not bad for them. It’s a trend that is forcing food manufacturers to seek better ingredients while remaining economically viable. Again, there are plenty of solutions; food manufacturers will have to be innovative to keep up with rising standards.
4. New tech and smarter solutions
Consumers love newness, especially when it comes to technology. For food manufacturers, that could mean flashier designs or novel packaging. It could also mean eco-friendly designs, reusable packaging or products that generate minimal waste. Fortunately, the food and beverage industry has never shied away from innovation.
5. Social media
For better or worse, a food manufacturer’s actions have immediate consequences. Consumers are very opinionated, and they now have a variety of social media platforms on which to vent. For socially savvy manufacturers, the payoff could be a product or design that’s a huge hit. On the other hand, even a minor screw-up can be amplified in a way that is devastating to a company. As such, food manufacturers must always keep immediate consumer reactions front of mind.
Food Manufacturing Solutions
Adaptation is a never-ending process. Just because you have a solution today doesn’t mean it will solve tomorrow’s problems, but it certainly helps to have experience. At PacMoore, we’ve got years of smart solutions under our belts, and we lean on a tested team of experts. Learn more about the food manufacturing services we provide.
We keep a close eye on industry trends and always have an eye on the future. From production line to packaging, the experts at PacMoore can help you leverage emerging consumer trends to improve your business. To get more insight into the future of food manufacturing, or to find out what we can do for you, contact PacMoore today.
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