Frugal behaviours adopted during the global recession may reflect a new normal regarding consumer shopping, dining, and eating preferences, according to the American-based Packaged Facts. What constitutes value is being redefined and consumers are making different choices than in years past that will drive their food and beverage purchases for the foreseeable future, the Food Flavors and Ingredients Outlook 2010 report discovered. “The outlook for 2010 is best viewed with guarded optimism.... ...Read more »

Analysis of supermarkets’ loyalty schemes by consumer group Choice has questioned the merits of rewards programs for shoppers, arguing that most will have to wait a long time before receiving any real benefits. The consumer group argues that loyalty schemes can discourage consumers from finding better buys elsewhere and encourage them to trade large amounts of personal data which may be worth much more than any rewards. Choice research found rewards programs offer significantly less than a... ...Read more »

A pan-European study by the European Food Information Council (EUFIC) has provided further insights into the shopper relationship with food labels. The study, which questioned 17,300 people from various European countries, both in supermarkets and at home, found that only 18% of Europeans regularly look for nutrition information on food packaging in-store. Independent market research agencies carried out the field work in each country. Results showed, however, that the better established forms... ...Read more »

The key food sectors in Australia are weathering the global recession well, the latest research from Leatherhead’s Global Food Markets shows, with frugalism far less prevalent than in most other global markets. Although there are signs that consumers have begun to economise during the slowdown, many sectors reported strong growth in 2008, with 2009 sales estimates also positive. Baby food sales, for example, rose 8.8% in 2008 with 2.8% growth forecast for 2009, reflecting a trend towards higher... ...Read more »

Emerging global cuisines are opening up a whole new world of culinary experiences to consumers of all ages due to the nearly infinite range of ingredients, forms and flavours they offer, according to Emerging Global Cuisines: Culinary Trend Mapping Report from the American-based Center for Culinary Development (CCD) and Packaged Facts. According to CCD, leading emerging global cuisines include Peruvian, Moroccan, Korean, and Japanese. Driven by a host of forces, such as immigration, international... ...Read more »

Against the background of growing health consciousness among consumers, the demand for foods that support and enhance health is continuing on an upward trajectory. This is evident from the growing uptake of natural and safe alternatives such as functional foods and beverages and dietary supplements, all of which form an integral part of the nutraceuticals space. Consumers are displaying a preference for convenience food with palpable benefits. Responding to this trend, the food industry has been... ...Read more »

Organic food sales in Germany, the largest European market for the sector, were “stagnant” in 2009, according to the latest industry data. Figures from Germany’s organic food federation, the BÖLW, said there had been particular losses in food retailing and discount stores. Estimated turnover in the sector amounted to around EUR5.85bn (US$8.52bn), which BÖLW said was “roughly the same” or even “slightly less” than last year. “The reason is price declines... ...Read more »

KFC franchisees in the US have initiated court proceedings against the owner of the KFC brand over a debate as to the direction of their marketing campaigns. The world’s most famous provider of fried chicken has headed along a ‘healthier food’ path over recent months, with much of their advertising spend directed toward their new grilled chicken products. But franchisees are concerned the focus on grilled chicken is to the detriment of the company. The KFC National Council and Advertising... ...Read more »

As some of the world’s largest grocery retailers look at ways to put carbon labels on their products, research has showed strong consumer interest in the idea. According to new research by the Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University in the UK, 72 per cent of consumers want carbon labels on food products. The news supports assertions from UK-based Tesco and American-based Walmart that shoppers are actively looking to cut their carbon footprint. Tesco has already begun adding carbon... ...Read more »

As the New Year begins, talk has turned to trends for the coming year and there are some interesting on-trend food products entering the mainstream in the US that could yet make an impact in Australia. The Center for Culinary Development (CCD) and Packaged Facts, trend trackers in America for the last six years, have made five predictions of specific food product trends that will be a topic of conversation for food professionals in the year ahead. Using their 5-stage Trend Mapping technique –... ...Read more »