Kerry Highlight Opportunities in Snacking

16 Jun 2017 --- Snackex, which takes place from 21-22 June in Vienna and will see Kerry the Taste & Nutrition Company, showcase new research and opportunities in the snacking category. 

Consumer Insights Manager at Kerry Europe, Ciara McCabe, will present research that delves into consumer needs in the category, as well as detailing expert opinion on changing consumer behavior, all culminating in a roadmap outlining where the potential snacking innovation opportunities lie.

For example, the research conducted by Kerry shows that 41% of millennials think healthier snacks are generally poorer in taste, while 28% are willing to pay more for novel snacks, both stats providing plenty of scope and direction for future product development.

At the forefront of cutting edge consumer insight for over ten years, McCabe specializes in unearthing new ways of connecting with consumers and using insights to frame the creation of great tasting food and beverages to delight and nourish today’s consumer.

Conor O’Rourke, Business Development Manager for Snacks at Kerry Europe told FoodIngredientsFirst: “We have just conducted our most comprehensive piece of primary consumer research into snacking consumers. A key part of this research was to look at the difference between snack offerings available in the market today, and what consumers would like their ideal snacks to be in the future. Coming out of this research we’ve identified three key platforms for future growth in snacks: Authenticity, Health and Adventure.”

“In the future you will continue to see an evolution in offering in the snacks market as brands and manufacturers develop their offerings to meet consumer demands across these three areas. The core categories of snacks will remain the largest volume drivers, however, the range of snack types available to consumers in stores will increase.”

He adds: “We will definitely see an evolution of many existing big brands to become more authentic in terms of their ingredients and also more nutritious with lower levels of sodium and fat for example, but we will also see many new types of snacks being launched, targeted at the many different need states of consumers whether that is a healthy, guilt-free snack format or premium snacks that offer some indulgence.”

Visitors to the Kerry stand (ESA Pavilion) at Snackex, will also be able to discuss opportunities in this sector with O’Rourke, who has a wealth of experience, working closely with snack manufacturers across the region, along with the company’s insights team, to ensure Kerry is continuously innovating and developing products aligned to the needs of the modern consumer.

Delegates at Snackex are encouraged not to miss McCabe’s presentation, ‘Insights, opportunities and innovation in snacking’ at 12.20pm on June 21st. The presentation will showcase how Kerry can help create opportunities for partners in the savory snacks category, by identifying the gaps between what is available to markets today and what consumers are looking for, or soon will be. Kerry is ready to co-create healthy and delicious snacks that excite and inspire consumers around the world.

by Elizabeth Green

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