In the world of convenience foods, there are some exciting trends and innovations, like time-saving convenience, homemade appeal and healthier choices.
With increasingly busy lives, people seek foods that save them time in the kitchen. There is a charming return to traditional cooking and baking methods, a growing preference for less processed ingredients and a move away from artificial colours and preservatives.
Consumers are looking for products that offer taste and health benefits while craving homemade flavours they remember from childhood.
Lots Of is one such brand that recognises people’s craving for convenience and authenticity. Their mission is to bridge the gap by making delicious, old-fashioned, all-natural home baking accessible to everyone with easy access to ingredients and a straightforward way to enjoy fresh, homemade baked goods.
“We are committed to simplicity in everything we do. Our products are designed to make baking easy and enjoyable for consumers, ensuring they can create delicious treats without hassle,” said Rachel Dawson from Lots Of.
“We foster an optimistic outlook in our company culture. This positivity extends to our products, crafted with care and love, to bring joy to consumers' homes.”
In the evolving landscape of the convenience food category, Dawson sees a significant shift towards more natural options, which is a core strength of Lots Of.
“As consumers become more health-conscious and prioritise well-being, there is a growing demand for convenience foods that save time and do not fill our bodies full of chemicals. This aligns perfectly with our commitment to using quality, all-natural ingredients in our products.”
By focusing on unprocessed and natural choices and catering to the needs of health-conscious and chemically-sensitive consumers, Lots Of anticipates substantial growth opportunities in the convenience food category moving into 2024.
The convenience foods industry also faces several significant challenges regarding cost dynamics, increased awareness of health and nutrition, sustainability and competition.
“One of the prominent challenges is navigating the delicate balance between affordability and quality. The convenience foods market sits between fast food and gourmet, which means managing production costs while offering wholesome, quality products can be complex.”
Convenience manufacturers and suppliers can stay competitive and adapt to these trends by focusing on product innovation, clean labelling, sustainability, collaboration and digital marketing.
“With increasing environmental concerns, there's a growing demand for sustainable practices and packaging within the industry. Balancing convenience with eco-friendliness is an ongoing challenge.”
“Transparency in ingredient sourcing and labelling is crucial. Ensure that product labels communicate the use of natural, wholesome ingredients and the absence of harmful additives. Consumers are increasingly reading labels and seeking cleaner options.”
The drive for sustainability, organics, and packaging innovation has profoundly impacted the food industry. Lots Of still need to nail it, finding it challenging to find solutions that are sufficient replacements for the packaging they currently use.
