Balancing of the attraction of the consumer and shelf life to stay ahead

Today’s food manufacturers stand for a unique challenge – how the growing consumer demand for simpler, cleaner labels is going on, while products remain safe and fresh during their shelf life. According to the International Food Information Council (ique), 63% of consumers pay more attention to ingredient lists, with an increasing preference for natural sweeteners, flavors and preservatives. At the same time, more than 42% of consumers acknowledge that adding preservatives can help reduce food waste.

This double expectation of transparency and functionality in food products may seem daunting, but it is completely feasible with the right approach. This is how food manufacturers can convert these challenges into opportunities by making use of innovative solutions and cooperation partnerships.

The need for label transparency driven by the consumer

Trends in the expectations of the consumer

The movement in the direction of “label -friendly” products cannot be denied. A recent iques research showed that six in ten Americans are considering ingredients when choosing food to buy. Most consumers look for ‘clean’ ingredients – which regard as natural, fresh or minimal processed. For brands, this offers an opportunity to tailor the product range to evolving consumer preferences by taking on clean label formulations.

The impact on brand perception

Consumers appreciate understandable, simple ingredient lists and associate them with confidence and transparency. Brands that embrace this approach will receive a competitive advantage that promotes a stronger loyalty of consumers and stand out on the market. The transition to cleaner labels goes beyond the removal of conventional, fossil-based additives it includes the replacement of functional, nature-based alternatives. This approach not only meets the expectations of modern shoppers, but also strengthens the brand value in the long term.

The importance of a long shelf life

Reduce food waste

Food waste is an important problem for both manufacturers and consumers. Longer shelf life can help to reduce product waste in multiple phases-through distribution, in stores and in the house through end user consumption. For consumers, extended shelf life translates into less expired products and more efficient use of their shopping dollars. For manufacturers it corresponds to lower expenditure for raw materials, transport, storage, packaging and energy, in addition to reduced emissions.

Ensure safety and freshness

Maintaining is crucial for maintaining product integrity that is so important for customer satisfaction and loyalty. Microbial control is the key to monitoring against spoilage and pathogens who can endanger freshness and safety. Natural, label-friendly preservation solutions, such as those based on vinegar or other feremencies, are increasingly effective alternatives to synthetic preservatives such as sorbates or benzats.

Photo: Corbion

Tackle both challenges at the same time

Innovative solutions for double benefits

Achieving both a cleaner label and the extensive shelf life requires a progressive approach. Natural, consumer-friendly preservatives such as cultivated sugars, cultivated dextrose and vinegar are game changers. These ingredients correspond to clean label goals and offer robust conservation. In addition, solutions based on fermentation can naturally and effectively tackle the spoilage without jeopardizing taste or texture.

The science behind preservation without a compromise

Advanced conservation technologies In the hands of ingredient experts allows food manufacturers to extend the shelf life while retaining the sensory qualities that consumers love. For example, ingredients derived from vinegar or cultivated sugar prevent microbial growth, so that products remain safe and delicious, while it meets the expectations of the label.

Working together for success

Expertise is important

Navigating through the complexity of balancing consumer preferences with formulation and operational challenges requires more than just innovative ingredients. Working together with partners who offer both technical expertise and strategic guidance can make a considerable difference in achieving goals for cleaning clean label and shelf life.

Tailor -made solutions for a competitive advantage

No two manufacturers face the same challenges. Tailor -made solutions, informed by specific legal and operational needs, can often be the key to achieving optimum results. By tackling variables such as microbial control goals, taste profiles and timelines for product development, manufacturers can achieve success and at the same time tailored consumers’ expectations.

Stimulating innovation and loyalty of the consumer

Meeting consumer’s demand for simple, transparent labels and supplying operational requirements such as extending the shelf life may seem at odds, but they can be tailored to today’s innovative, nature -based ingredient technologies. Manufacturers who invest in advanced preservation strategies and cooperation partnerships will be well positioned to thrive in this developing market.

To be at the forefront of an increasingly competitive environment, food producers must embrace transparency, sustainability and innovation as core principles. These strategies are the key to building stronger brand loyalty, reducing waste in the value chain and delivering high -quality foods that resonate with current consumers.

Quotes

1. International Food Information Council (IFES) Survey, 2023: consumer trends and preferences. https: // foodinsigh.
2. Food insight. “Icical survey: from chemical sound to clean-consumer perspectives on food ingredients.” International Food Information Council (IFIS), 2021. https: // foodinsigh