Retail & shopper insights

UPF: How can industry improve consumer perceptions?

UPF: How can industry improve consumer perceptions?

By Donna Eastlake

Ultra-processed foods have received a barrage of bad press in recent years, resulting in a sharp decline in consumer acceptance. But ultra-processing methods are going nowhere fast. So, what can the industry do to improve opinions?

Would consumers pay more for animal welfare?

Would consumers pay more for animal welfare?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

A study of Swiss consumers of milk and butter explored whether they would accept increased prices if it meant better lives for dairy cows.

Which cheeses still use animal rennet?

Which cheeses still use animal rennet?

By Augustus Bambridge-Sutton

Animal rennet is still prevalent in many of Europe’s cheeses, despite a shift towards vegetarian rennet. Geographical indicators are a key reason why.

The new term open-omnivore and what it means

The new term open-omnivore and what it means

By Nicholas Robinson

New names and phrases used to describe consumer bases are regularly coined by the food and drink sector, and open-omnivore is the latest to emerge. But what does it mean?

Snack smart: The surge in nutritious nibbles

Snack smart: The surge in nutritious nibbles

By Rachel Truman

Health-conscious consumers are devouring more snacks and demanding more from their choices. And manufacturers are stepping up to the plate with ever more nutritious nibbles.

Hybrid working is fuelling demand for cheese toasties

Hybrid working is fuelling demand for cheese toasties

By Teodora Lyubomirova

British consumers persisted with dairy purchases during a turbulent 2023 despite price rises across many of the core categories, with cheese in particular remaining a dinner staple.

Has the plant-based trend peaked?

Has the plant-based trend peaked?

By Donna Eastlake

The plant-based trend has been on the up and up in recent years. But has it finally peaked and, if yes, can the plant-based industry do anything to prevent a decline?

Gut health: Why this consumer trend is here to stay

Gut health: Why this consumer trend is here to stay

By Donna Eastlake

Consumer appetite for gut-health friendly foods shows no signs of abating as understanding of its impact on overall health continues to grow. But how will this trend evolve and grow in the future?

Foodies are falling for luxury butters in a big way

Foodies are falling for luxury butters in a big way

By Donna Eastlake

Whether you’re spreading it (generously) on a crumpet, making pastry for a pie or baking a cake, butter is a kitchen essential that’s loved by many. But this humble ingredient is having something of a luxury makeover and food lovers are flocking.

High-protein dairy is booming, but how 'healthy' is it?

High-protein dairy is booming, but how 'healthy' is it?

By Teodora Lyubomirova

Danone has become the latest manufacturer to release a range of high-protein dairy products in the UK. But can high-protein yogurts - that typically contain thickeners, starches and sweeteners - really be considered ‘healthy’?

How keen are consumers on animal-free dairy? Not so much, research finds

How keen are consumers on animal-free dairy? Not so much, research finds

By Teodora Lyubomirova

An experimental study on consumer perceptions found that European shoppers have little appetite for animal-free dairy alternatives, though positive associations with the products’ perceived environmental benefits can enable manufacturers and retailers to...