The future role of reformulation

What is the future role of reformulation?

With conscious consumers on the rise, looking for healthier and more sustainable options, what role will reformulation play in future?

Reformulation refers to the process in which or a food or drink company changes its products.

Often, this is to make the product healthier or meet specific nutrition guidelines.

However, recent research has shown that consumer attitudes are changing and the public have higher expectations on manufacturers and retailers to produce healthier products.

More shoppers are feeling empowered to take their health into their own hands and according to IGD, health has a greater impact on purchasing decisions than ever before.

This desire for health has been augmented by demand for healthier products from the future generation of post-millennials. For example, research by IGD recently indicated that more 18-25 year olds want vegetarian ranges, vegan food to go options, dairy-free and gluten-free options.

Shoppers are also willing to pay more for higher quality and healthier products. This means health now equates to sales and this ultimately benefits business.

Therefore, reformulating presents an opportunity to improve the healthiness of food products, make health claims to stand out and can help build a stronger story to sell in to retailers. 

Reformulating a product to improve it nutritionally can also:

• Align with existing clients’ and customers’ health agendas 

• Win new contracts and listings by delivering on health 

• Potentially save costs by removing and reducing ingredients 

• Review and refine recipes by comparing to other products on the market

• Improve credibility for your business’ commitment to health 

• Develop an improved understanding of your products, ingredients and supply base

• Ultimately improve the diets of your consumers/employees 

However, whilst health is a priority, taste and texture are extremely important and so that’s why reformulation can be a difficult process, which requires skill and can be lengthy.

If you’re considering reformulating your product and are not sure where to start, check out this useful guide on reformulation by the IGD or get in touch with us so we can guide you in the right direction.

References:

• IGD, undated. Available online: https://www.igd.com/Social-impact/Health/Reformulation/What-is-reformulation