NPD in action: Plant-Based Snacking
Jun 2021Consumers are increasingly looking for healthier and more ethical options with regard to their snacking habits. Industry is delivering plant-based alternatives of existing snacks to satisfy consumer demand for guilt-free indulgence. New product launches from the snacks category featuring a plant-based claim are soaring with an annual average growth of +65% (Global, CAGR 2018-2020).
The Honest Bean Co Barbecue Roasted Fava Bean Snack (United Kingdom). Barbecue roasted fava bean snack comes in a 40g plastic packet. Grounded in goodness. High in fiber and protein. Plant powered.
Functional Flavors
Feb 2023When choosing food and beverages consumers are traditionally driven by flavor options. Functional foods provide not only health benefits, but also sensory experiences. Even though traditional and well-liked flavors such as milk chocolate, strawberry, and red apple are in the lead, flavors such as elderberry, candy, dragon fruit, and rose are on the growth path for functional food with different health claims.
Coloring Foods
Jan 2023Coloring ingredients are frequently used in food and beverages. Sometimes such ingredients can be artificial, but more recent innovations are steering toward more natural-based alternatives such as juice concentrate. The top food and beverage subcategories which use food colorings are Gummies/Jellies (15%), Juices & Nectars (14%), and Dairy Based Ice Cream & Frozen Yogurt (13%).
Sustainable Vanilla
Jan 2023Vanilla is a well-known flavor ingredient that consumers associate with bakery, confectionery, desserts, and other food and beverage categories. With sustainable farming practices being one of the driving forces of NPD in 2023, product claims emphasize sustainable vanilla sourcing with Rainforest Alliance or Fairtrade certifications and using organic and ethical claims.
Top Ten Trends 2023
Dec 2022According to Innova Top Ten Trends 2023, consumers are becoming more cost aware. This pushes brands to turn the focus to provide an additional value consumers are willing to compromise on. Sustainability still plays a key role for this compromise. Creativity is also well valued as consumers are willing to pay more for indulgent and limited-edition products. Generational influences and digital age are also impacting choices of the buyers.
Festive NPD
Dec 2022Limited-edition foods and beverages are a great opportunity for consumers to try unique products of their favorite brands. In the past five years, there has been a 15% growth (Global CAGR, 2017 H2- 2022 H1) in launches of Festive NPDs for the holiday period. In the past year (2021 H2-2022 H1), most launches were Cakes (20%), Chocolate Pieces (17%), and Sweet Biscuits/Cookies (15%). Moreover, the most popular flavors of products launched with Christmas limited edition claims (2021 H2-2022 H1) were Milk Chocolate (22%), Hazelnut (13%), Almond (12%), and Orange (10%).
Hybrid Appeal
Nov 2022As consumers become more interested in hybrid innovation, product launches are pushing boundaries and mixing different food and beverage categories to create new and exciting products. These hybrids combine the best of both worlds and include brand collaborations, various product base blends as well as cross-category flavors.