HFSS, VG, GF, CBD … the list of trendy words and acronyms that line the shelves of retailers continues, but which ones are here to stay?
The Grocery Gazette takes a closer look at how sustainability, legislation, and trend movements have shaped the way brands package, design, and produce their products.
After visiting the 2022 Food and Beverage Exhibition in Birmingham, here are some of the key FMCG trends to keep in mind.
Rechargeable products
In an age of post-blockage plastics and lifestyles, sustainability and comfort have driven retail innovation.
One of the most popular features has been refillable products, from wrist dispensers to shampoo bottles. Both retailers and brands have taken the initiative with Asda, which opened four spare parts stores last year, and Tesco has partnered with pre-filling company Loop.
Companies specializing in the adaptation of dispensers for dry materials have grown with the family-run Zero Waste Refill Hub, which has worked with independent retailers such as Co-op and Budgens.
At the same time, eco-brands have been tasked with integrating refillable ranges across their supply chains to maximize efficiency for both retailers and the customer.
Earlier this month, Faith in Nature launched a 2.5-liter spare bottle after customers explained the inconvenience of the five-liter but wanted to continue to support their eco-friendly project.
Smaller companies such as Fillrefill.co, Alter \ Native and Miniml have also adopted the top-up model to attract an environmentally concerned consumer base.
Alter / Nadiu
Minimum
Fillrefill.co has even simplified the process for customers by providing a list of the nearest dealers and also provides spare parts directly from the factory if there is no dealer nearby.
Clearly, the reloading movement has shifted from retail to brands that want to clean up their own supply chains and deliver fast, environmentally friendly and easy-to-find solutions for consumers.
READ MORE: Fill, reuse, recycle: How many grocery stores have rechargeable bays installed?
Vegan snacks
With organic packaging they also include organic diets: at the forefront of this have been the herbal snacks for the consumer that is underway.
Veganism has quickly disassociated itself from its healthy, leafy person and has seen several brands of consumer goods enter a territory of chocolate and indulgence.
Snack brands such as Flower & White have recently launched a vegan range of their strawberry and double m * ilk chocolate meringue bars due to the “clear growth of veganism in the UK”.
Flor and Blanca
Last year, Vegan Food and Living reported that Internet searches for vegan chocolate recipes increased by 31% and major pastry brands have launched a growing number of vegan sweets.
Meanwhile, other FMCG brands have taken advantage of this opportunity to focus solely on plant-based products such as chocolate companies Nomo and LoveRaw.
Both chocolate brands only sell vegan products with Nomo focused on bars and multiple packs, while LoveRaw has specialized in their cream wafer style chocolate bars.
With a third of Britons interested in trying veganism, there is no doubt that herbal chocolate brands are attracting potential customers with their eco-friendly and cruelty-free alternatives.
HFSS compliance
The reformulation has been a hot topic as brands strive to meet the upcoming high-fat salt and sugar restrictions in October.
Earlier this month, the government released HFSS clarifications indicating that the policy was advancing at full speed despite concerns about alleviating the cost of living crisis through volume price promotional offers.
While retailers have slowly tried new store designs or looked for loopholes to continue promoting impulsive shopping, FMCG brands have been tasked with tailoring recipes to overcome HFSS hurdles.
KP Snacks and Weetabix have already launched new HFSS complaints products before the change, while bar companies like Tribe have created new products for the May launch.
With nuts containing higher levels of fat, the redesign of the snack bar has seen the ingredient changed to “healthier” options, such as oatmeal-based flapjacks.
Book
Tribe
Other companies have only launched HFSS-compliant bars, such as Boka, which prides itself on containing only 1% fat, saturated acids, sugars, and salt throughout its range of cereal bars.
As snack brands change their recipes, smaller HFSS-compliant businesses are expected to see an increase in popularity as the bay’s boxes and aisles line up in October.
READ MORE: HFSS: Which FMCG Brands Are Reformulating Bestsellers Before October’s Change of Law
Canned drinks
As for the recipes, canned drinks have seen creative twists with more fun flavors, alcoholic variants and drinks with CBD infusion on the market.
As cans are more portable, comfortable and easily recyclable, more companies have adopted the format to offer stylish and unique drinks.
Funkin Nitro Cocktail that a couple of years ago and has expanded to the 4 major grocery stores continues to grow with new flavors launched last week.
The popularity of canned food is also seen with Trip, the multi-channel CBD company with a foothold in CBD oils, lifestyle clothing and also canned drinks.
Candy can
Journey
The husband and wife-run company launched in 2019 owes its origin story to the use of CBD to help co-founder Dan walk down the aisle on his wedding day after knee surgery. Originally a CBD oil brand, Trip expanded into canned beverages after its initial success.
Another canned drink with an unusual touch has been Candy Can, which has unique flavors with zero sugar. Its range includes Bubblegum, Marshmallow, Cotton Candy, Birthday Cake, Sour Apple and Rocket Ice Lolly.
What’s sure about canned drinks is the versatility and creativity that the can contains so that brands can explore and grow, with companies like Funkin Cocktails and Trip just a couple of years ago when they were launched.
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