Consumers are Less Confident about their Financial Savings Many people are experiencing the impact of rising prices and are actively looking for ways to reduce their expenses. The increase in prices is due to various factors such as crude oil costs, population growth, climate change, and disruptions in global supply chains. There is a growing concern about economic uncertainty and personal savings, leading consumers to adopt a more cautious approach. This shift is driven by a belief in insufficient household savings, resulting in more individuals feeling financial pressure and dealing with eve ..read more

Introduction While there has been a surge in awareness around food and drink-related allergies and intolerances among younger demographics in the past decade, it’s important to note that only half of the population feels confident in distinguishing between an allergy and an intolerance. Furthermore, there is often a lack of understanding regarding the profound impact of food allergies on the immune system and food intolerances on the digestive system. This widespread lack of knowledge regarding the distinct symptoms and impacts on well-being calls for attention, especially given that consumers ..read more

Introduction Consumers are mindful of environmental concerns related to food and drink packaging. They acknowledge the potential negative impact certain materials can have on the planet, including landfills and oceans. This heightened awareness has led to a rise in the number of individuals actively recycling packaging compared to previous years. These findings indicate a growing environmental consciousness. For instance, FMCG Gurus’ consumer insights reveal that 82% of global consumers say they recycle soft drinks most or all of the time. Additionally, 78% of global consumers say they recycle ..read more

Introduction Globally, consumers remain vigilant about the ingredient information displayed on product packaging for a variety of reasons. These reasons include seeking safety and quality assurance, as well as the desire to avoid or moderate what they perceive as harmful dietary components. Regardless of the specific motivation, consumers seek the ability to quickly assess a product’s nutritional profile, leading to a heightened preference for “free-from” claims and simplified ingredient lists. There is also a strong demand for straightforward nutritional labeling to address concerns about und ..read more

Consumers are Regularly Turning to Cordial, Squash, or Syrups A trend over the past three years has been the increase in consumers turning to cordial, squash, or syrup. For instance, FMCG Gurus’ consumer insights reveal that 54% of global consumers say they drink cordial, squash, or syrups at least weekly. This category, traditionally seen as a more economical alternative to juice, has seen this increase, while there has been no fundamental shift in the overall consumption of juice. This surge in the preference for a more budget-friendly option aligns with price inflation, prompting individual ..read more

Introduction Around two-thirds of women consider themselves to be in good health, a percentage that has remained consistent over the past two years. This suggests that women generally prioritize proactive health measures and emphasize prevention over treatment. Additionally, FMCG Gurus’ consumer insights reveal that approximately one-third of women feel that their health has gotten better over the past two years. Although, this proportion has slightly decreased compared to two years ago. While the overall outlook remains positive, this slight decline may indicate a reduced sense of urgency reg ..read more

Introduction Consumption patterns in the hot beverages sector are long-established and are usually driven by habit. As a result, it is not a surprise that the proportion of consumers who drink these products on a weekly basis has shown minimal change over the past few years. While there has also been only a slight shift in the frequency of hot green tea and hot chocolate consumption, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of consumers who drink specialty coffees on at least a weekly basis. With the challenges brought about by rising prices, many individuals have had to rethink thei ..read more

Introduction Despite the growing emphasis on changing dietary patterns, a significant proportion of consumers continue to incorporate dairy products into their diets. This particularly applies to those following a flexitarian approach who show less reluctance to avoid dairy compared to meat. Furthermore, consumers view dairy as a contributor to an overall balanced diet due to its association with essential nutrients such as protein, calcium, and various vitamins and minerals. While the consumption of fresh milk has decreased over the past few decades, with many opting for alternative functiona ..read more

Introduction There is a widespread lack of confidence in the global economic outlook for the next year, with a majority of individuals feeling that their country is in a recession. Additionally, there has been a decline in the percentage of people who believe their household can comfortably cover living expenses over the past year. This indicates that a growing number of individuals are experiencing financial strain, which will significantly impact their purchasing behavior.  Consumers are Making Conscious Efforts to Cut Costs in Various Areas As consumers face financial pressures, they a ..read more

Introduction We often discuss strategies for making healthy products more appealing, including factors like taste, multifunctional benefits, and transparent claims. While this is important when targeting consumers looking to improve their health, it is also important to consider how the industry can support long-term adherence to health plans, especially considering that many people struggle with this. Additionally, it can be challenging to measure the efficacy of health products. Key themes highlight the need for new approaches to promoting long-term healthy living. This includes encouraging ..read more