69% of Argentine consumers buys food plant-based and 78% would buy more in bakeries where everything is made with natural ingredients, according to the latest edition of Taste Tomorrow 2023a global study on consumer trends in Bakery, Pastry and Chocolate from Grupo Puratos.
This trend in consumer preferences is reconfiguring the industry, driving innovation in the field of plant-based alternatives, said the Belgian-based company.
“The ‘plant forward’ trend goes beyond the elimination of ingredients of animal origin,” indicates the work, which states that as this trend evolves, consumers have higher expectations regarding the quality and flavor of products of vegetable origin.
“Competition to create the best plant-based offerings is fierce, driving the industry to new levels of creativity and excellence,” said Evelyn González, Puratos’ Vice President of Marketing for Central, South America and the Caribbean.
This growing attention to health, particularly intestinal health, causes an increase in the demand for bakery, confectionery and chocolate products with probiotics, prebiotics and fiber.
85% of Latin American consumers recognize the positive effect of fibers on digestion, while 73% trust ingredients that improve intestinal health and digestion; even 37% of Latin American consumers would be willing to pay more for products that contain beneficial ingredients for health.
However, striking a balance between health and pleasure remains crucial for food producers as taste is one of the main factors influencing consumers’ choice when buying bread, pastries, confectionery and chocolate.
What do Argentines think of food?
In relation to sourdough bread, 55% of Argentines consider that it is healthier and 68% agree that vegetable alternatives taste as good as foods of animal origin.
Regarding the perception of plant-based food, 76% of Argentines agree that it has a positive impact on the environment and 72% consider that it is healthier than that of animal origin.
Regarding consumer preferences for the “classic”, 72% of Argentines also value having a familiar ingredient when trying new types of food, such as dulce de leche or pastry cream.
However, the trend that claims the classic does not appear to be at odds with the support of pastry, baked goods and chocolate consumers for products “inspired by technology”. In this sense, 68% of Argentines believe in the progress of food through science.
The survey even had a chapter dedicated to food “for the mood”, where 72% of Argentines revealed that they are looking for products that contribute to mental health.
“Our industry is driven by trends that are deeply intertwined with cultural phenomena, social movements, and macroeconomic factors; we must be proactive, forward-thinking, and intimately connected to the pulse of change,” said Sophie Blum, Chief Marketing and Channels Officer at Puratos.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
