SNACKS & CONFECTIONERY


Key snacking trends


Ensuring the latest consumer needs are met is the key to optimising any snack range according to Mondelez International. The company invests heavily in insight to ensure it maintains a deep understanding of those shoppers. Through this, it has identified key trends and bases its innovation and category investment on these.


Global shift


towards’better for you’ products


T


he popularity of healthy snacking has been a consistent trend, driven by a global shift towards healthier lifestyles and ’better for you’ products. Individuals are continuing to actively seek convenient and nutritious snacks that align with their dietary preferences and health objectives; of which more and more options are becoming increasingly available to them. This trend is highlighted by the most recent AVA census, revealing


that 80% of pre-packaged cold drinks in vending machines now contain less than 5g of added sugar per 100ml, as opposed to 44% in 2017. Similarly, 79% of confectionery and sweet products currently boast fewer than 250kcal, marking a substantial increase from the 35% reported in 2017. Additionally, the percentage of sandwiches and pre-packaged meals with under 400kcal and 5g of saturated fat per 100g has risen to 17%, up from 10% in 2018. The AVA and the rest of the industry will be interested to see whether Veganuary will be as popular this year, as it was in 2023, in which one person registered to the cause every 2.4 seconds on January 1. Recognising the growing trend, many vendors have started offering vegan alternatives in their machines to accommodate diverse dietary preferences and ensure they can cater to the needs of all customers. A similar surge this year is highly likely. Those interested in promoting healthy eating in Out of Home


and Vending as a part of their offer can find out more at a Food Standards event in Northern Ireland on 12th March https://www. the-ava.com/event/northern-ireland-fsa-nutrition-healthy-eating-out- of-home-vending/


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These key trends have been identified by Mondelez as follows: Value is more crucial than ever as consumers look for affordable, familiar treats during challenging times. However, value has different meanings to different consumers. While price remains important, value is more than just price – it encompasses a range of factors such as time, quality, gift worthiness, experience and reward. So, though value is – and will continue to be – important for consumers, they are prepared to balance these elements across their total needs, rather than focusing simply on price. In answer to this, Mondelez International strives to cater for all customers with a variety of different products, with a portfolio that offers something to suit all consumer needs. Wellbeing Despite 85% of shoppers saying they have healthy eating priorities, 57% still buy food and drink with the intention of treating themselves (IGD ShopperVista, September 2023). This increase in focus on wellbeing can be physical or emotional. Demand for vegetarian and vegan alternatives is growing (IGD ShopperVista, July 2022) while moments of indulgence continue to be increasingly important, particularly for younger adult consumers (Watch me think/Mintel: The not so healthy snacking habits of Gen Z/Cajole UK 2021) as a way of winding down and reducing stress. Sustainability Consumers are now much more aware of the packaging of products, and where a product comes from. In fact, 78% (IGD 2021) of shoppers think that how food is made is important, and 77% are aware of packaging. Connections and events Many consumers associate snacks with connecting with others (Mintel Cost of Living Crisis report, 2023), and food is often an integral part of socialising. Moments that bring consumers together, such as sporting events or seasonal gatherings, are all potential opportunities.


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