Convenience factor has been the driving force for the development of food processing industry and most of the consumers do not mind paying "add on" to the basic cost of processed foods provided it is not unreasonable. Of course other factors like culinary quality, health and nutrition, good shelf life and attractive packaging also do contribute to consumer decision to buy products at prices higher than the intrinsic cost. In spite of great strides made by the food industry, convenience seems to be the over riding factor that assures even growth for the processed food sector.
"While these are nothing new, portable foods continue to be a food industry trend. Providing convenience for our 'on-the-go' society is a must and consumers continue to spend their cash on handy packaging that allows them to skip portioning themselves and simply grab something out of the kitchen, throw it in their bag and go. The cost of the packaging drives up the cost of these pre-portioned gems, however the convenience continues to beat out the cost and consumers keep this food industry trend going".
What is causing alarm is the run away escalation in the cost of foods that are processed and packed making the consumers wary of the motives behind the high profile, mass promoted food products, especially those with low caloric density. One wonders whether consumers will revert back to lesser convenient products that require some preparation in the kitchen if the upward trend in food product prices continue to gallop with practically no relation to the basic cost of raw materials that go in making these foods by the manufacturer. Industry will regret in the long run if affordability of their products to consumers is ignored and if it thinks that saturation promotion of products will drive consumers in hordes to buy them, same may prove to be fool hardy!
V.H.POTTY
http://vhpotty.blogspot.com/
http://foodtechupdates.blogspot.com
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