Integrating sustainability into product development has become a fundamental aspect of business strategy as the rising demand for sustainable products is fuelling revenue growth.
The debate surrounding ultra-processed foods (UPFs) has grown significantly due to concerns about their health impact. This scrutiny is prompting political action, like past regulations on alcohol and tobacco, possibly leading to more regulations in Europe. Amid this regulatory shift, demand for healthier, natural options is strong. Brands can leverage this by tapping into clean label claims and highlight their clean ingredients more effectively.
From human-grade ingredients to novel formats and now functional benefits, innovation in pet care is becoming even more sophisticated. As the industry expands through new brands and categories, tracking new product development should be an important consideration for brand innovation strategy. With pet owners adopting a more “health first” approach, pet product innovation is increasingly going down the same route.
There is ever-growing expectation for sustainable packaging. The search for better is reflected in consumer sentiment and regulatory attention. The focus on plastic goes wide with regulation increasingly the lever used to secure more rapid progress on the road towards a circular economy.
An improving supply outlook and muted demand have eased pressures in the commodity markets. In 2024, weaker manufacturing activity in key markets is set to limit price growth for energy and metals, while robust crop forecasts should curb agrifood price increases.
Soft drinks innovation strategy in 2024 is being developed in the context of a more challenging economic and financial environment. Sharp rises in the cost-of-living have made premium-priced products (generally the focus of beverage innovation investment) more difficult for consumers to afford and adopt