Here’s a twist on the dinnertime dilemma between parents and picky eaters. Want your kids to eat more vegetables? Just hand them a breadstick. Actually, that’s part of the magic behind B&G Foods’ new Green Giant Cauliflower Breadsticks, which made their freezercase debut in March 2020. 

Understandably, it hasn’t been the best time for CPG food and beverage processors to unveil new products to retail customers or their consumers. Yet it doesn’t have to bring an end to strategic innovation—involving insights, ideation or product development. 

I am inviting all food and beverage processors to tell us about your new product achievements and enter Prepared Foods’ upcoming 18th annual Spirit of Innovation Awards.

Effects of the global coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic were dramatically evident in early March when New Hope Network postponed the annual Natural Products Expo West exhibition in Anaheim. The move immediately impacted an estimated 90,000 attendees and 3,600 exhibitors.

Today's consumers are weighing taste adventure and convenience with new considerations related to what's better for me (diet and personal health) and better for the planet (ethics, sustainability).

More than half of US adults claim they really enjoy cooking (53%) and more than one-third consider the kitchen to be the most important room in the home (35%), according to Packaged Facts’ report, “Eating Trends: Cooking & Food Shopping” Officials note these percentages have risen compared to a decade ago.

This month, I’d encourage industry professionals to pause, reflect and resolve to enhance your brand’s relationship—it’s emotional appeal—to those same consumers. Why? More shoppers are making pointed, conscious decisions to buy—or not buy—based on a growing list of factors.

Looking more closely at new product trends, it's clear that meat, poultry and seafood processors are addressing consumer interests in flavor and new food experiences. Still more new products help operators address back-of-house labor issues and consumers' concerns about ethical sourcing and sustainability.

Manufacturers' new offerings need to fit their customers' menu trends and operational demands. Those two requirements are standard. And then there's a third dimension—the true reason that makes a new item stand out for customer and consumer.