Clean label and free from claims trend in Mexico as R&D efforts intensify

18 Sep 2018 --- Clean label, free from and GMO-free claims continue to trend in Mexico, as the food sector enjoys strong growth, spurring strong research and development in this dynamic sector. The new product data comes as the food industry from Mexico and beyond prepares for the FoodTech Summit & Expo, which will take place next week. 

“No additives/preservatives” is the top clean label claim in Mexico and has shown a 19 percent increase (CAGR 2013-2017), according to new data from Innova Market Insights. GMO-free claims are on the rise, from 2013-2017 growth in GMO-free claims have risen by 69 percent. The market analyst has also revealed an increase in organic (12 percent) and natural claims (5 percent), during this period. 

Gluten-free is on top of free from claim, according to data, with growth of 45 percent (2013-2017, CAGR). There has been a 59 percent increase in vegan claims and a 45 increase in gluten-free claims for the same period. Innova Market Insights data also shows growth in lactose-free claims (29 percent) and 9 percent growth in vegetarian claims (CAGR, 2013-2017). 

Vegan claims are growing but still a niche, says the market analyst. Bakery and dairy the most active categories in Mexico for 2017 with 11 percent of the new product launches in bakery and 11 percent of launches come under the dairy category.

The processed foods industry in Mexico is one of the most active and strategic sectors in the country. Over the last years, Mexico has become the third largest producer of processed foods in America and the second largest supplier of prepared foods for the US. Internally, the consumption of this type of product reaches US$114.6 million and it is expected to grow by 5 percent between 2017 and 2021.

Facing an accelerated growth and increasing demand for ready to eat meals, producers of the main food and beverages categories requires better ingredients and raw materials to satisfy the health & wellness needs. In this way, companies are focusing their efforts on research and development, key pieces to stand out in this competitive market and win the preference of their targeted consumers, who are demanding even better quality each day.

The Food Tech Summit & Expo Mexico (FTS& Expo Mexico) is the leading Expo of the Food & Beverage industry in Latin America (LATAM), with a global scope and quality and quantity of Food and Beverage professionals visiting the event every year. For this reason, suppliers of ingredients, additives and solutions have chosen this trade show and consolidated it as the ideal platform to showcase their innovations, solutions and new products, making of it a good meeting point for the food & industry in LATAM. 

Now in its 11th year, the FTS& Expo Mexico will be the must visit place for food and beverage innovation next week. Taking place over two full days, (September 26-27), with the participation of more than 14,000 industry professionals, more than 350 leading ingredients and solutions exhibitors and the presence of international speakers, the show will be at the Citibanamex Exhibition Center in Mexico City.

Leading attendee groups for the food & beverages sector are as follows: 23 percent beverages, 15 percent dairy products, 13 percent bakery products, 12 percent appetizers & snacks, 11 percent confectionery products and 10 percent meat products. According to the organizers, 41 percent of the attendees belong to the middle management space. 

During the show, experts and gurus from all over the world come to share their knowledge with the audience.

Speakers from PepsiCo, Alpura, Nestlé, Coca-Cola, Rise Brewing and Innova Market Insights will be on hand, as well as over 350 leading suppliers of ingredients, additives and solutions for the food & beverage industry.

By Elizabeth Green and Robin Wyers