INDUSTRY DIRECTORY

Consumer Values Changing

Published online: Jan 29, 2019 Articles
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Source: Inzpire by HZPC

Modern consumers spend more and more money on food. They also often eat out. Foodservice is flourishing more than ever before. 

According to Paul Oomen, food service specialist at HZPC, consumer values are changing rapidly. He identifies and analyzes developments that have a major impact on the food industry.

"Nowadays, people are spending considerably more on food," says Oomen. "A major factor that drives this growth, is increasing consumer confidence. People have money to spare for eating well and conveniently, at home and outside the home."

Young People

An important development is that the number of single-person households is increasing.

"Young people, and so-called millennials are trendsetting," Oomen says. "They are looking for convenience, lifestyle and healthy products."

HZPC recently initiated an in-depth study and market research into the development of food service in North America. The foodservice sector in North America is well-established and serves an enormous market including restaurants, school canteens, healthcare, aviation and much more.

Innovation

Foodservice, defined as all meals, snacks and beverages prepared away from home, is growing fast, according to Oomen.

"The trends you see in the USA will be irrevocably replicated in other parts of the world a few years later," he says.

The developments offer enormous opportunities for the potato industry. Oomen is convinced of that.

"Innovation is crucial in the food industry," he says. "New game changers can put complete sectors upside down in no time. That is why the potato industry is keen to quickly pick up on trends and respond to them."