Health and convenience are driving food trends in Asia Pacific, with consumers prioritizing nutritious and easy-to-prepare options in their daily diets.

Health and convenience are now central priorities for packaged food companies in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. ()

The Future of Food Innovation Amid Economic Pressures

As food companies navigate increasing input costs, especially in oils and fats, their innovations remain centred on health and wellness as consumers are prone to spending more on healthier foods. There has also been a growing focus on products that cater to consumers busy lifestyles, emphasizing the importance of satisfying cravings while also supporting overall well-being, said GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

“Despite the economic pressures from inflation, there is an increase in consumer focus on healthy foods. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has linked processed foods, especially ultra-processed foods, along with tobacco and alcohol, as contributing to global health issues and the death of millions,” said Bokkala Parthasaradhi Reddy, lead consumer analyst at GlobalData.

In addition, advocacy groups are clamoring for labelling ultra-processed foods in the same category as tobacco and alcohol. Given these trends, food companies are focusing on healthy foods to attract consumers and sustain their revenues, Reddy added. According to Deepak Nautiyal, consumer and retail commercial director, APAC and ME, GlobalData, the appeal of healthy foods remains strong despite the rise in prices of most products.

Consumers are also equally concerned about their personal financial situation and health, said the report.

This is reflected in a GlobalData consumer survey, wherein 55 percent of respondents stated that they are extremely or quite concerned about their personal financial situation. At the same time, 49 percent of them are extremely or quite concerned about their physical fitness and health. Meanwhile, convenience has also become a key factor in purchase decisions, as an overwhelming 85 percent of respondents in the same survey stated that time-saving and easy-to-use (convenient) traits are essential or nice-to-have features in products.

“As more individuals embrace active routines, there is an increased focus on products that support wellness and provide functional benefits,” said Reddy.

Reference:

1. Convenience and health key focus for food companies in APAC – (https://www.globaldata.com/media/consumer/convenience-health-key-focus-food-companies-apac-says-globaldata/)

Source-IANS