The global snacking trend continues to gain momentum. With further growth driven by indulgence and the need for healthier snacking options, the industry needs to focus on delivering both: excellent taste and functional product solutions.
The evolution of the snacking market
The growing interest in savoury snacks is mainly driven by an increasingly hectic lifestyle and changing food consumption patterns, as many consumers are adopting more flexible eating times. Likewise, the ongoing health and wellness trend has pushed the savoury snacks category. It not only represents a better alternative to sweet snacking products with a high sugar content for a growing number of consumers. But is especially evolving through categories such as nuts, seeds and trail mixes and vegetable, pulse, multigrain and bread chips – being perceived as a natural and healthier snacking option. The healthy snacking trend creates a strong need for natural ingredients, transparency and simplicity of ingredients, with a majority of consumers looking for snacks without artificial additives. It further indicates a need to focus on salt-reduced product developments and low-calorie options in the long-run. At the same time, added nutrients (i.e. high fibre or protein content) are an overall approach of manufacturers to evolve the category of “better for you snacks”.
The snacks category is also driven by a shifting demand towards convenience formats or texture varieties and most of all new concepts. As “all time snacking” becomes mainstream, there is an ever-increasing variety of snacking options available, driving the interest of consumers for even more novelties, and shareable, “insta-ready” experiences. Portability and novel packaging next to innovative marketing strategies will equally play an important role in the future of snacks.
While many brands try to gain more authenticity by using selected ingredients to attract the Millennials and New Ager target groups, there is also a growing desire for innovation and experimentation within the category.
Indulgence and enjoyment still represent the main consumption criteria in the snack sector. Offerings are therefore focusing on excellent and unique taste, premium ingredients or superior production methods, such as “hand-cooked”.
Addressing current market needs and consumer trends within the snacking sector
Based on its extensive global network, Bell has a strong expertise in predicting dynamic market categories, major trends and taste directions that will shape the snacking industry in the future. Recognising consumer behaviour at an early stage and reflecting the taste preferences of different consumer groups and markets is therefore a key element of successful product creation at Bell. Underlining its vision of being the partner of choice for creating inspirational and winning product concepts, Bell is therefore focusing on product developments to define or differentiate the final taste of a product or to deliver functional solutions for savoury snacks.
As taste is crucial, combining indulgence and premiumisation with natural and healthy ingredients is one of the major focus areas for Bell when it comes to salty snacks. Unique flavours are essential for successful snacking product launches, helping to create an authentic eating experience.
Intense and complex taste profiles, broader influences from other cultures or increased novelty factors are driving innovation. Bell is therefore focusing on culinary inspirations, as well as ethnic varieties for constantly developing its snack seasonings portfolio. Based on current consumer needs and clean label expectations, Bell equally focuses on functional aspects and healthy snacking, inter alia, with a portfolio of seasonings comprising a natural flavouring and allergen-free declaration. Creating seasonings with low salt content is also a major aspect in Bell’s new developments.
Discover Bell’s flavour trends and taste solutions at SNACKEX Barcelona
At SNACKEX Barcelona, the leading industry event for the savoury snack sector, Bell Flavors & Fragrances EMEA will demonstrate its comprehensive portfolio of authentic, trend-inspired snacking concepts and varieties. Based on its broad market understanding, Bell will deliver inspirations for expanding snack manufacturers’ product portfolio and developing successful market products in line with current consumer needs.
With a new and extended booth design, Bell not only presents a natural look and feel, but furthermore showcases snacking concepts and seasonings that engage multiple senses and deliver a culinary appeal. Bell’s portfolio of natural snack seasonings delivers high quality taste solutions for a variety of snacking products, including classic potato chips, extruded snacks and pellet snacks, as well vegetable or grain-based snacks and popcorn.
Latest developments presented at SNACKEX not only include regional favourites and street food varieties inspired by the Asian cuisine, Bell further shows a portfolio of snack seasonings focusing on the arising foodie culture and therefore addressing the consumers crave for experimentation.
With flavours continuously evolving in salty snacks, Bell also specialises in creating authentic taste experiences based on premium varieties, grilled meat notes as one of the most dynamic and sought-after flavour varieties, and creating new ideas for classic flavour profiles and seasonal variations. New taste combinations and sensory experiences are equally giving scope for Bell’s developments – i. e. via snack seasoning that are pairing perfectly with herbaceous Gin or by addressing the growing impact of superfoods on snacks – with a variety of sweet and salty superfood popcorn.
Keeping an eye on the increasing relevance of insect protein and its nutritional properties – Bell combines the hunger for new experiences, with sustainable, healthy snacking options. With deliciously seasoned insect snacks, Bell not only targets health and ethical focused consumers, but also delivers innovative product solutions for a category that is expected to keep flourishing in the coming years.
From June, 27th to June, 28th, visitors at Bell booth 412 will have the opportunity to meet up with a team of sales representatives, creation and marketing experts to discuss individual product needs for inspiring snack seasonings and functional taste solutions.
