533: What consumers really want - and how they're driving innovation
Consumers are the driving force behind innovation in the food industry, but how well do we know what they want? In this lively episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, recorded live at our October 2024 event in Ascot, our panel of industry experts focuses on consumers; their tastes, behaviours, and budgets. They look at the trends that are reshaping what we and how we eat, now and into the future. Crucially, the food industry is a global business, and our panelists also delve into the evolving tastes in global cuisine. Which regions are leading the way, with products that will be on all of our supermarket shelves in the months and years to come? They also look at the complex challenges around ultra-processed foods. How can manufacturers balance consumer demand for “clean” ingredients, with the realities of food production and shelf-life requirements? Guests: Rob Kidd, Independent Food Industry Consultant Vhari Russell, Founder, The Food Marketing Experts Michaela Neame, Head of Product, Merchant Gourmet Ben Harper, Strategy and Insights Lead, Finsbury Food Group