ADM publishes the Global Consumer Trends Report

Recently, ADM, a world-renowned brand of human and animal nutrition, released its annual outlook for global consumer trends for the third year, identifying eight important trends that will shape the food and beverage and animal nutrition industry and drive market growth in the next few years, reflecting consumers' changing behaviors, attitudes and needs, which will serve as a foothold for a new round of industry innovation and point out the direction
for product and service development in 2023.

More options for multi-protein

More than half (52%) of consumers globally consider themselves flexitarians, and their diets include both animal protein and plant-based protein or other protein alternatives
.
Nearly two-thirds of these 52% of consumers define their dietary style as "try to eat more plant-based foods," which is also driving the need for diverse
proteins.
As the "digital natives" Gen Z and Generation Alpha grow along with technological developments, people's acceptance of using advanced technology to make food will continue to increase, and areas such as cellular farming, precision fermentation, hybrid products and insect protein may usher in
a booming future.

Balanced, healthy, and fully nourished

Consumers increasingly agree that emotional, mental, physical and even spiritual health are all interdependent and equally important
.
Consumers are making proactive, mindful food and lifestyle choices to adjust energy levels, prevent disease, and regulate overall mood and feelings
through a synergistic approach.
Globally, 79% of consumers believe that maintaining mental health has a positive impact
on overall health.
In addition, 48% of consumers globally plan to improve their mental health in the coming year, citing mental health as the top concern
after immune function, digestive health and heart health.

Customize healthy personality choices

What works for one person may not work for others
as well.
When it comes to health and diet, the "one-size-fits-all" strategy is outdated, replaced by a tailored, "better for you" approach
.
In fact, 63% of consumers globally say they are more interested in
food and beverage products tailored to meet their individual nutritional needs.
In addition, 55% of global consumers say they are willing to pay a premium for functional foods that support their health goals
.
And, ideally, individual solutions not only take into account tastes and cultural preferences, but also fit into an individual's lifestyle
.

Earn trust, transparent traceability

From field to fork, consumers want to know where the food they eat comes from, who cultivates it, and what ingredients it consists
of.
Not only that, but they also want to know how these products are produced and whether the production conditions are humane
.
According to the study, 42% of consumers globally have become more trusting of products and brand owners' environmental claims in the past two years, which also shows that brands have made some progress
in gaining consumer trust.
Their demand for product transparency stems not only from food safety, but also from their desire
to connect with food and the communities in which it is grown or produced.
As a result, consumers are more supportive of companies that they consider honest and trustworthy while being able to trace the origin of
products and ingredients using QR codes or blockchain technology.

Environmental protection and production are responsible

Globally, 49% of consumers say their eating habits have changed in the past two years to achieve a more environmentally friendly lifestyle
.
They also set higher standards
for the conscious environmental behavior of the companies that buy their products.
Consumers are very focused on reducing food waste and expect the brands they support to do
the same.
At the same time, consumers expect companies to prove their involvement in environmental reconstruction and restoration
.

Take social responsibility

Consumers are using their voices and purchasing behavior to demand fair and humane treatment of humans and animals in all aspects of production
.
Nearly 30% of consumers worldwide have boycotted a product or brand because of ethical concerns, and 40% want brands to ensure that farmers are treated
ethically.
Whether companies can ensure the living conditions of workers and growers, whether organizations are inclusive and diverse, and whether they can ensure the affordability of products and accessibility to end consumers are all important considerations for contemporary consumers when making purchasing decisions
.

Modern concept of pet parenting

For many people, pets are also very important family members, and their nutritional and emotional needs should be treated
on an equal footing with their owners.
Therefore, many pet owners want their pet food to have the same ingredients
as their own food.
In addition, as consumers pay more and more attention to the health of their pets, healthy ingredients with a good reputation are increasingly sought after, and more than 60% of pet dog and cat owners worldwide say that having healthy ingredients from the brand is very important
for their pets.
As people increasingly see their pets as loved ones, they will take a more holistic approach to caring for their pets, covering all interconnected aspects of mental health, digestive health, exercise and diet
.

Discover where the culinary experience comes first

More and more consumers around the world are showing a desire to explore food, with 74% saying they want to try new flavors from around the world, while 63% also indicate that they like to experiment
while cooking.
As part of the dining experience, diners are looking for fresh, fun flavors while also wanting to interact
with fun brands.
If these brands can encourage consumer engagement through co-creation and virtual experiences, they will be able to create a sense of community belonging and entertainment that will win loyal customers
.

"These key themes are often intertwined across all aspects of consumer product selection, demand satisfaction and brand expectations," said Brad Schwan, vice president of global marketing at ADM, whether it's human and pet health, environmental factors or upgraded consumption scenarios, these eight trends present tremendous opportunities for forward-thinking and innovative companies to better meet the changing needs
of today's consumers.
"Consumers' pursuit of physical and mental health, as well as concern for all people and the planet, is reflected in
their proactive, decisive and responsible consumption behavior.
Companies that can keep pace with consumers are expected to stand out in
the coming years.
”

Responsible editor: Xiao Zhihan Review: Ouyang Meihua