Kerry reports: food industry’s growing wellness trend

The global food service industry has had to adapt quickly to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. Many outlets have shifted to ‘less contact’ models, or have started offering on-the-go and takeaway options to comply with social distancing rules.

The industry will also need to find new ways to respond to the growing consumer focus on wellness, according to the probiotic brand GanedenBC30®, a Kerry ingredient.

The new report, “Opportunities for Formulating With Probiotic Ingredients in Food Service?”, demonstrates that wellness, including immune health, was a growing priority for food service consumers even before the current crisis. Globally, 45 per cent try to find the healthiest option when they eat out, while 78 per cent want restaurants to offer more options containing functional ingredients.

The report highlights the particular potential of probiotics, given the high levels of awareness they command. Research shows that over half (54 per cent) of consumers worldwide are aware that probiotics can promote good digestive health, while 46 per cent know they offer immune system support.3

The survey also indicates demand for probiotics in a wide range of food and beverage categories. Nearly half (48 per cent) of consumers would be interested in yogurt containing probiotics, with 38 per cent saying they would like to see them in juices.

John Quilter, VP & general manager for GanedenBC30, said: “These are tough times for the food service industry, but it has done a great job of adapting. The sector will bounce back but when it does, it will need to meet the demands of a new world, with consumers more focused than ever on the protection of their health. Providing options that include functional ingredients is a great way to innovate in a market where wellness is increasingly important.”

Quilter added: “Immune health is rooted in the maintenance of a healthy balance in the gut. With protection against foreign challenges such as viruses now front of mind for consumers, probiotics are among the functional foods  and beverages they’re starting to explore. Spore-forming strains like GanedenBC³⁰ are ideal in a range of food and beverage service applications, allowing functional benefits to be offered across the menu.”

Download the full report, “Opportunities for Formulating With Probiotic Ingredients in Food Service?” here.