Changing American demographics hold strong implications for manufacturers, Food Processing reported today. Age, growing minority populations, and evolving family structures increasingly determine how food is developed, produced, packaged, and sold.
Nutrition, portability, and transparency are top priorities for Millennial and Generation Z consumers. Increasingly, Hispanic and Muslim food buyers demand more authentic and varied choices in ready-to-eat and packaged foods. Shared domestic duties mean marketing strategies must adapt to new kinds of shoppers and shopping routines. A growing number of never-married adults and those eating alone is also impacting demand for varied package proportions and delivery styles.
According to research from the Hartman Group, a polarization of spending power toward the highest and lowest ends of the spectrum will mean more demand for premium, quality foods at every level.