Today, more than ever before, eating occasions are now overwhelmingly linked with snacks. Be it ready-to-eat popcorn, veggie chips or nuts, snack items considered better-for-you options are driving sales growth in snack food categories. The growing demand for foods and beverages with unique qualities – natural, functional, energizing, satiating and convenient – are causing consumers, manufacturers and retailers to rethink the traditional snack category, with products continuing to evolve and lines increasingly blurring. Retailers and brands should join hands to promote snacks by helping consumer to shop better and buy products that suit their taste preferences. This can happen only with their combined efforts and will help pave the way to even bigger innovation and expansion in the snacks category.
Munching of namkeen and snacks is a very old practice in India. The history of snacks shows that until about forty years ago, there were just 2-3 types of available namkeens in the market. But after the mid-80s, the varieties developed tremendously and the triple layer pouch packing started playing a major role/ factor in developing the category, extending the shelf life of products to six-twelve months. Today, around 1,000 snack items are sold in India spanning various tastes, forms, textures, aromas, bases, sizes, shapes and fillings. Besides, some 300 types of savories are sold in our country today.
But until three decades ago, snacking meant having snacks that were prepared hot, sun-dried or stored in containers by grandmothers at home. People seldom bought snacks as everything was prepared at home and there was not much available in the market either. It was only about a decade or two ago that the snack market slowly started emerging in India and the scene became totally different with mothers becoming busy and dependent on snacks and convenience foods. The snacking scenario has changed with an increased number of people consuming snacks daily and making it a part of their meal. Snack consumption has increased over the years as plenty of choices and new varieties are being offered constantly. Individual snack brands have progressed successfully and created a brand value among end consumers. With the rising population and a growing economy, there is a steady growth in the demand and supply of snacks.
Snacks: Current Market Scenario
This story is from the July 2019 edition of Progressive Grocer.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 2019 edition of Progressive Grocer.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Paras Spices is innovating with unique products to meet new trends in the spices category
CATEGORY WATCH FOOD STAPLES
Just Outside the Box
THE HUMBLE PARKING LOT HAS BECOME A DIFFERENT KIND OF RETAIL DESTINATION AND HUB OF COMMERCE.
Increased Focus on Health, Wellness, and Immunity-boosting Products
SALES OF PACKAGED FOODS HAVE SURGED SINCE THE ONSET OF THE PANDEMIC, AS HOME-BOUND CONSUMERS STOCKPILE FAMILIAR PRODUCTS THAT WON’T GO STALE QUICKLY. BREAKFAST CEREALS, INSTANT NOODLES, RICE AND COOKING FATS ARE AMONG THE PRODUCTS THAT HAVE SEEN THE STRONGEST GROWTH IN RECENT MONTHS.
Consumer focus on hygiene & nutrition boosts packaged paneer sales
THE DEMAND FOR CATEGORIES SUCH AS CHEESE AND PANEER HAS WITNESSED AN ALL-TIME NEW HIGH DURING THIS PANDEMIC THANKS TO THE VERSATILE NATURE OF THESE PRODUCTS. NOT ONLY IS PANEER DELICIOUS TO TASTE BUT DURING THE HEIGHT OF THE LOCKDOWN, THE INTERNET WAS TRENDING WITH UNIQUE, FUN AND EASY-TO-MAKE PANEER RECIPES.
The New Normal for Snacks
THE POST-PANDEMIC CONSUMER WILL DEMAND BETTER-FOR-YOU MEAL SOLUTIONS MORE THAN EVER BEFORE.
The rise of superfoods and ways to mainstream them on retail shelves
WHAT ARE SUPERFOODS AND THEIR BENEFITS AND WHY THESE PRODUCTS ARE WITNESSING A HUGE SURGE IN DEMAND? WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF INFUSING THESE SUPERFOODS INTO OUR TRADITIONAL FOOD PRODUCTS, AND HOW CAN THEIR VISIBILITY AND AWARENESS BE RAMPED UP IN ON-GROUND SHELVES OF SUPERMARKETS AND RETAIL COUNTERS?
“We aim to open 100 stores this year and be one of the largest chains for fitness supplements & nutrition products”
PRAVEEN CHIRANIA, FOUNDER, MUSCLE & STRENGTH INDIA, SPOKE TO PROGRESSIVE GROCER ON HOW THE RETAIL CHAIN IS ON A MISSION TO MAKE HEALTH AND NUTRITION MAINSTREAM AND BRING BEST-IN-CLASS PRODUCTS ACROSS CATEGORIES SUCH AS PROTEINS, VITAMINS, MINERALS AND HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS MANUFACTURED BY INTERNATIONAL FITNESS BRANDS TO CUSTOMERS IN INDIA.
How Technology Is Helping Deliver Farm Fresh Cow Products To Your Doorstep
Advancement in technology has led to the improvement of several processes in the dairy farming industry, which have transformed the sector, consequently yielding superior quality products.
Good-for-you food products have seen rising demand over the past year
BRANDS THAT HAVE ALREADY BENEFITED FROM PANDEMIC TRENDS WILL CONTINUE TO SEE POTENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THEIR PRODUCT CATEGORIES. BUT BOTH RETAILERS AND MANUFACTURERS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO “RESET” WHAT VALUE MEANS TO CONSUMERS AND HOW THEY ARE BEST PLACED TO MEET THE NEW NEEDS MOVING FORWARD.
Healthy Eating Convenience
HELP SHOPPERS DITCH PANDEMIC-DRIVEN EATING HABITS AND ADOPT A MORE NUTRITIOUS DIET.
