Page 47 - Retail World March 2021

Snacking isn’t simply a between-meals occasion these days. It’s a whole-day affair that’s being driven further by the Covid-19 pandemic. ABy Nicholas Rider. ccording to a global study, 88 per cent of surveyed adults are snacking more (46 per cent) or at the same level (42 per cent) during the pandemic compared with previously. Millennials (70 per cent) and those now working from home (67 per cent) are “especially likely” to say they prefer snacks over meals (Mondelēz, ‘State of Snacking: 2020 Global Consumer Trends Study’, November 2020). A “majority” of respondents expect this trend to continue, saying they plan to keep eating small snacks throughout the day, as opposed to fewer large meals (64 per cent), and that snacking will be part of their “new normal” even after the pandemic ends (58 per cent). Ultimately, 65 per cent of respondents believe “the current pandemic will have a long-term impact on how we consume snacks as a society”. The VGood Company co-founder and Managing Director Sally Breden agrees with this sentiment, telling Retail World: “More consumers are now replacing traditional meals with quicker bites and consuming salty snacks at lunchtime, dinner, and even breakfast.” On a similar note, New World Foods National Account Manager Shane Merriman says busy lifestyles have prompted people to begin replacing meals with snacks and including items in their diet that wouldn’t previously have been described as snacks. “The number of snacking occasions is growing and the nutritional expectation being placed on those snacks is changing the way we think about innovation,” he told Retail World. On the topic of health, the Mondelēz study suggests that more than half of surveyed global adults have relied on snacks for nourishment during the pandemic (54 per cent), believing that snacks have been nourishing to their body, mind and soul during these strange times (64 per cent). A “majority” are also adopting more mindful snacking at home, saying they’re more focused on the snacks they eat these days (57 per cent), and that they have more control over the portions they consume because they’re snacking at home more often (66 per cent). “As snacking is no longer just an in- between-meals occasion, consumers are seeking snacks with enhanced nutritional value,” Ms Breden said. “There are many consumers shopping mainstream snacks looking for better-for-you, nutritious snacks from mainstream aisles/sections in the supermarket. It’s no longer just health purists looking for healthy options.” Commenting on the meat snacks segment specifically, Kooee co-founder Shaun Malligan says the demand for more protein and savoury snacking options continues to be a key trend influencing the growth of the snacking category. “Healthy snacking options have been increasingly sought after with consumers working from home more in the last year, and this has been reflected with a surge in online demand for these snacks and meal delivery solutions – for example, My Muscle Chef,” he said. “Additionally, with the keto diet trend starting to become more mainstream, there continues to be an increasing number of consumers seeking high- protein – and higher fat – meat snack options, such as biltong, jerky and twiggy sticks.” “More consumers are now replacing traditional meals with quicker bites and consuming salty snacks at lunchtime, dinner, and even breakfast.” Commitment to ‘simplifying naturally healthier choices’ The VGood Company is an Australian owned business, co-founded by Sally Breden, a mum with a dream of inspiring more people to feel confident that they’re doing their best for their family without feeling as though they’re compromising on living a good life. Ms Breden and the VGood team are described as having a “comprehensive” background in nutrition and product development in the wellness space, and “pioneers” in the development of healthy snacks made from fruits, nuts, seeds and legumes across large global retailers. With a belief that everyone has the right to make healthier and better choices, VGood is “committed to simplifying naturally healthier choices through a scalable product line of mainstream options”. The company says it has partnered with a global R&D facility to enable “innovative” production processes that combine “wholesome” ingredients to deliver “compelling health credentials” without compromising “amazing” taste and textures. In November, VGood launched VGood Twists, a new range promoted as focusing on “great taste” and a “great eating experience”. Ms Breden says her team’s mission is to build the VGood brand from the ground up with options that appeal to a broad number of consumers from taste, nutrition and price perspectives. “We’re already gaining a strong following via social media,” she said. “We’re committed to providing truly better-for-you products with nutritious ingredients, at an affordable price point.” A meaty snack offering The meat snacks category, according to Mr Malligan, continues to be a driver of growth in the salty snacks aisle, which in Woolworths stores has grown from two to four bays in recent years. “We expect that Coles will follow this trend and expand the category in their stores,” he said. Despite this growth, Mr Malligan notes that the meat snacks category is maturing, with Woolworths launching its own private-label jerky line, and further jerky and biltong brands entering the category. Considering this challenge, along with the pressures of Covid-19 and people seeking more value for their shopping dollar, Kooee – claimed to be Australia’s leading brand of ‘healthy’ meat snacks – has redesigned its jerky packaging and shifted exclusively to “organic” beef (while remaining at the same price point). “With clearer messaging and a perception of better value to a TO PAGE 46 SNACK FOOD MAR, 2021 RETAIL WORLD 45