Two years of pandemics, the limitation of social occasions and the spread of smart working have accelerated changes already underway in consumption habits, as it is evident from both the report published by Mondelez International on global snacking trends and IRI data on impulse food purchases.
Consumers increasingly prefer a snack to a traditional meal, with two out of three people now favouring snacks – albeit as part of a balanced and healthy approach to eating. This trend is particularly evident in Generation Z. According to IRI data, the snack-impulse sector is now worth EUR 3.5 billion in physical shops alone. Savoury snacks remain in first place, with almost EUR 1 billion in value sales, followed by sweet snacks, with a market value of €750 million (2021 figures).
One of the main reasons for this is the emergence of new rituals, such as home aperitif occasions, which has also led to the emergence of new packaging formats for retail products that are traditionally not considered as snacks, as well as the premiumisation of the offer, with new variants, new flavour combinations and greater versatility.
Another important aspect also emerges from the Mondelez research: according to consumers, snacking has now acquired a broader definition, embracing different occasions and modes, and the impact that a massive transition towards communication and sharing on social networks has had on these occasions is evident in this.
However important the emotional wellbeing is, linked to aspects of gratification and indulgence in a particularly difficult period, we are witnessing and increased focus on the nutritional wellbeing and the value implant, in particular the sustainability and environmental footprint of the products chosen, as well as the transparency of the ingredients used, the supply chain and waste reduction.
So, in this context, AromataGroup is positioned as the perfect partner for the development of an offer in line with market demands, both for its environmental commitment and its investment in the sustainability of its supply chain, and for the internal synergies within the Nactarome Group to which it belongs, in particular the expertise of its British subsidiary TasteConnection.
To learn more about our offer for the snack sector, contact us at: info@aromatagroup.com
